An artist's impression of the courthouse to be constructed at Boundbrook, Portland. - CONTRIBUTED
LAST THURSDAY, a $16-million contract for the construction of a new courthouse at Boundbrook, Portland, was awarded to Stresscon Limited for phase one work. National Commercial Bank (NCB) is building this courthouse on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, and will in turn acquire the existing Port Antonio courthouse, which will be used to house a new NCB branch in the parish.
At a ground-breaking ceremony in August 2005, a design was presented for consideration. After consultation with various stakeholders, it was decided that the design of the courthouse would be modified to be more aligned with existing architecture in Portland.
Speaking at the contract-signing ceremony held at The Atrium at Trafalgar Road, Collin Davis, NCB's in-house architect, said the design for the new facility was 1800's Georgian style, and that the structure would be the most modern courthouse in Jamaica.
Mr. Davis said the front of the building would reflect the Classical period, "and this is aligned closely with the concept of law." The colonnaded portico with the Jamaican coat of arms, the main feature of the building, defines the public entrance. According to a JIS release, the building will be planked in fine Jamaican limestone, and the roof will be made of slate in order to resist strong winds, which are common in the area.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
The three-courtroom, two-storey structure will be energy efficient - artificially and naturally cooled and lit. It will house the circuit, resident magistrate's and petty session courtrooms, as well as a records office, media centre, library and a police post. This building is designed to facilitate the physically challenged with the inclusion of ramps and an elevator in the blueprints.
The neo-Georgian styled building is set back from the main road and raised on a podium to achieve prominence and to avoid flooding. Public parking will be at the front of the premises; parking spaces for administrative staff, guests, security forces and judges will be provided at the side and rear, and will be accessed separately.
To be built on multiple lots of approximately one and a half acres of land, the judicial edifice is set into an expansive landscaped lawn.
In commenting on the planned facilities, Patrick Hylton, NCB managing director, said, "We are banking on the creative energies of the people within the communities of Portland to make our investment in Portland a success."
