The Urban Development Corporation was created by the Jamaican Government in 1968 through a Special Act of Parliament to ensure that planned and orderly development takes place when and where it is needed in Jamaica, within the framework of national priorities.
The UDC is the principal public sector organisation responsible for planning and designing urban environments in designated areas in Jamaica. It is also the entity charged with preparing, developing and implementing plans for urban development.
The mission of the UDC is to improve the quality of life for citizens in designated areas through the planning and implementation of development projects including physical, secondary and social infrastructure and the delivery of quality service to clients.
Since 1968, the UDC has effectively transformed Jamaica's most viable urban centres and strategic rural towns, whilst preserving the natural environment, traditions and customs and spurring economic development.
The organisation, through its development programmes, has significantly improved the coverage and quality of public infrastructure, in addition to introducing alternative patterns of urban settlement, including creative shelter solutions and the development of new townships.
Major projects over the years have included those in the designated areas:
• Kingston Waterfront
• Hellshire
• Caymanas
• Ocho Rios
• Montego Bay
• Negril
• Falmouth (special project area)
In addition, the UDC manages the Tax Incentive Programme (TIP) for Urban Renewal on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. The programme aims to stimulate urban renewal by revitalising historic centres and providing opportunities for private capital stakeholders to participate in the re-development of blighted areas.
making development happen...
