Thu | Oct 16, 2025

Ironshore poised to derive major benefits from 1092 Palms development

Published:Thursday | August 21, 2025 | 12:15 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
From left: Changfeng Fu, project manager for the construction of the 1092 Palms residential complex in Ironshore, St James; Yuming Zhang, deputy managing director of Henan Fifth Construction; Charles Sinclair, the St James Municipal Corporation’s council
From left: Changfeng Fu, project manager for the construction of the 1092 Palms residential complex in Ironshore, St James; Yuming Zhang, deputy managing director of Henan Fifth Construction; Charles Sinclair, the St James Municipal Corporation’s councillor for the Montego Bay North East Division; Richard Vernon, mayor of Montego Bay and chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation; Horace Chang, minister of national security and member of parliament for St James North Western; Shelly Ann Grant, director of Heritage Capital Shares International; Sean Lawrence, director of land development company LS Holding Limited; Stephen Grant, chairman of Heritage Capital Shares International; Vincent Hutchins, project developer from LS Holding Limited; and Qishan Liu, managing director of Henan Fifth Construction. The occasion was a groundbreaking exercise for the start of the 1092 Palms construction project on Friday, August 15.

WESTERN BUREAU:

The 1092 Palms residential complex, which had its groundbreaking ceremony near the Whitter Village in Ironshore, St James, last Friday, is expected to enhance the physical appearance of the community, as well as boost property value.

The complex, which will feature 33 housing units across five three-storey apartment buildings on 1.38 acres of land, is being viewed as a key project by Vincent Hutchins, project developer with LS Holdings Construction.

“I am a proud resident since 1985, and after years of residing overseas, I returned to my native Jamaica, inspired to contribute to our community growth,” said Hutchins. “Today I am excited to unveil my vision for transforming 1092 Palms into an apartment complex created for professionals and returning residents.”

Hutchins continued: “This project will elevate Ironshore’s living standards, and attract individuals seeking sophisticated and refined living space.”

According to Hutchins, the project will fit perfectly with the current status of Ironshore, which is one of the most admired communities in St James.

“As a dedicated community member, I am committed to ensuring that this development is aligned with Ironshore’s needs and vision. I look forward to the project’s positive impact and the opportunities that it will bring,” he added.

The complex, which is a five-minute drive from the Sangster International Airport, is in proximity to both Whitter Village and the Blue Diamond Shopping Centre. It is slated to be completed by December 2026 and is projected to cost US$5 million (J$800,618,975).

On completion, the property will boast amenities such as a community swimming pool, a fitness centre, tennis courts, landscaped green areas, 24-hour security with surveillance cameras, standby generators, and access to 60 parking spaces.

ECONOMIC VALUE

Hutchins said that, on completion, the property will bring significant economic value to Ironshore and has tremendous potential for further growth.

“Benefits to the community will include economic growth, and the property will create an opportunity for local business and stimulate economic activity,” said Hutchins. “It will increase and enhance property value, make Ironshore a more desirable place to live, improve the quality of life, provide residents with access to luxury amenities and services, and improve their overall quality of life.”

In his keynote address at the groundbreaking ceremony, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon said the 1092 Palms project, which is being done in partnership with Heritage Capital Shares International, is an indicator of the western city’s development since the 1500s.

“For those who do not know the history of Montego Bay, the name came about because they referred to it as the ‘bay of pigs’, The word ‘Montego’ came from manteca, a Spanish word which meant ‘lard from the pig’. That is where we are coming from, that is where we started,” said Vernon. “The evolution of Montego Bay to where we are today has been a long journey, and a significant one, that we celebrate today with much pride. I am happy to be mayor of Montego Bay at this time when all of this is happening, and to be able to participate in the process.”

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com