Junior Leslie (second left), a director of Alcar Construction, yesterday signs a contract on behalf of his company, which will build the Urban Transport Centre in downtown Kingston. Beside him is Euvine Dare, company secretary at Alcar Construction. From third left are Kingston Mayor, Desmond McKenzie, Joseph Hibbert, State Minister of Transport and Works, Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Louis Williams, chairman at the Urban Development Corporation. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

IF THINGS go as planned, downtown Kingston will have a totally different look by this summer. Government yesterday signed two contracts for the construction of a new transport complex and the renovation of the St. William Grant Park.

The signing took place at Jamaica House.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who is also responsible for the country's development portfolio, said the projects are part of a wider plan for the redevelopment of downtown Kingston. He added that the area, if transformed, has tremendous economic potential.

"This vision that we have of a revitalised downtown can only come about if it has an economic drive," Mr. Golding said. "If there are the elements of economic activity and investment, that will drive and sustain that development over a period of time."

The Urban Transport Centre is an extension of the Half-Way Tree hub for Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses, which opened last Saturday. It will be constructed on 4.6 hectares of land covering Port Royal Street and Water Lane. The complex will cost $161 million and is expected to be complete in five months.

The facelift for the St. William Grant Park will cost $90 million. Work on it is scheduled to end in six months. Recently, there have been reports of rape committed in the park which is named for the respected Garveyite and statesman.

No place for loafters

Mr. Golding vowed that the new-look facility will be properly maintained by the Kingston City Centre Improvement Company.

"It will not be a lair for loafers, touts or pimps," he said.

The projects will be overseen by the Urban Development Corporation. Alcar Construction has been designated to work on the Urban Transport Centre, while Jatlin Construction and Associates Limited is responsible for the restoration of the St. William Grant Park.