$2.3-Billion Police Headquarters to Transform Spanish Town, Says Holness

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the $2.3 billion St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters, now under construction in Spanish Town, will mark the beginning of a new era of social, economic, and infrastructural development for the historic town.

Key Details

Construction of the new police headquarters is part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen national security while catalyzing investment and urban renewal in one of Jamaica’s oldest towns. The four-storey complex, funded under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, is designed to accommodate approximately 300 officers and modern operational facilities.

During a recent tour of the construction site, Prime Minister Holness described the development as a “security guarantee” that will help de-risk private investments and attract major commercial and residential projects.

“This capital investment should be seen as the spark of other investments to come,” Holness said. “It is indeed the start of a new era of development for Spanish Town.”

Holness was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, who also serves as Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central.

Background

The new divisional headquarters is being built on a five-acre property in Spanish Town and will feature:

• A boundary wall enclosing the compound

• Jogging trail, futsal, and hard courts

• Guardhouse and parking facilities

• An electrical room, garbage house, and sewer-treatment plant

• Stormwater drainage systems and a basement water storage tank with a pump room

The facility aims to enhance law enforcement efficiency, improve working conditions for police personnel, and strengthen partnerships with the communities they serve.

Minister Grange highlighted that the project represents a turning point for Spanish Town, noting that stronger police-community relations will lead to greater social cohesion.

“We’re looking forward to strengthening the relationship between the citizens and the JCF,” Grange said. “The community will benefit from the amenities that will be provided, and we look forward to all the great things that will follow.”

Community Impact

Local business owners are already observing renewed interest in the area.
Glendon Lodge, a food vendor near the Spanish Town bus depot, said inquiries about land availability have increased since construction began.

“We are glad to see that more people are asking questions so that more jobs can be here, more business places will come because people feel more comfortable when they have security in the area,” Lodge explained.

Holness expressed optimism that the development will help revitalize the Spanish Town economy, promote safety, and attract investment across St Catherine.

Analysis

The $2.3-billion headquarters signals a strategic shift in Jamaica’s security and urban planning approach — treating infrastructure as both a safety measure and an economic catalyst. Spanish Town, once the island’s capital and a center of trade, has struggled with crime and urban decline in recent decades.

By situating a modern police hub in the area, the Government aims to encourage confidence among investors, restore civic pride, and improve public trust in law enforcement. The project’s multipurpose amenities — from sports courts to community spaces — suggest a more integrated model of policing and community development.

If successfully implemented, the facility could serve as a template for balanced security and development investment across other parishes.

Our Opinion

The construction of the St Catherine North Police Headquarters represents more than just a law enforcement upgrade — it is a vision of how infrastructure can anchor both security and economic growth. Prime Minister Holness’s framing of the project as a “security guarantee” highlights the Government’s commitment to stabilizing historically volatile communities through tangible investment.

However, true transformation will depend on consistent maintenance, effective policing, and continued community involvement. If Spanish Town can leverage this momentum, it could become a model for sustainable urban renewal in Jamaica.