Guardsman Hospitality Limited (GHL) a member of the Guardsman Group will assume management and operational responsibility for Fort Clarence Beach in St. Catherine, effective September 1, 2019.
That’s word from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), which says the property remains in the ownership of the UDC.
The General Manager, Heather Pinnock says “The divestment option was explored because of unsustainable annual losses at the facility. Additionally, fiscal constraints have limited the UDC’s ability to fully implement its development plans for the property.”
PricewaterhouseCoopers managed the divestment process on behalf of the UDC, with the GHL becoming the successful bidder in keeping with the requirements.
A twenty-five (25) year lease has been granted to GHL on the basis of a development plan which puts forward the upgrading of the beach park to intensify visitor experience.
GHL is also expected to address the influx of sargassum seaweed affecting Jamaica’s south coast.
General Manager, Laura Heron says “Over the duration of this extensive redevelopment, we will build out the restroom and changing room facilities, expand the restaurant offerings and install a waterpark attraction, all to create a comprehensive entertainment complex.”
In order to facilitate the transition, the property will be closed after the handover, on September 1 and is scheduled to be reopened to the public over the Heroes Weekend Observation in October.
GHL oversaw the upgrading of Puerto Seco Beach Club in 2018 and currently operates Konoko Falls in St. Ann as well as the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation in Kingston.
