Historic Development Marks Major Leap Toward National Housing Goals
Clarendon, Jamaica – The National Housing Trust’s (NHT) mission to deliver 43,000 housing starts gained fresh momentum on Friday, June 20, with a groundbreaking ceremony for 2,064 new houses at Longville Meadows in Clarendon, one of the largest developments of its kind within the parish.
This transformative project is being developed through a $25 billion partnership between the NHT and Gore Developments Limited, under a modified version of the NHT’s Guaranteed Purchase Programme (GPP). When completed Longville Meadows will include 1,372 one-bedroom and 692 two-bedroom units, as well as designated recreational spaces.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured and sustainable housing growth. He indicated that the NHT has a robust construction programme involving several projects at different stages of the construction and development process.
“Currently, the NHT has 8,353 units under construction, 7,692 under contract, 12,027 in procurement, and 10,598 in the planning phase. Additionally, about 2,000 units are being built under the Build-On-Own-Land programme, bringing the construction portfolio to approximately 40,650 units,” shared Prime Minister Holness.
He further noted that the NHT will continue expanding housing access through policies that improve affordability and accelerate delivery.
Underscoring the importance of the development for the parish, Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., praised the NHT and Gore Developments, calling the project “part of a greater vision for Southeast Clarendon,” and “not just a housing development, but a vehicle for upward mobility.”
GPP partner and Managing Director of Gore Developments, Mr. Christopher Gore, reiterated the company’s dedication to affordability and equity.
“We believe that everyone deserves a safe space to call home, and this development is a step toward making that dream a reality for more Jamaicans,” said Gore.
On the note of affordability, NHT Chairman Mr. Linval Freeman highlighted recent policy enhancements, “Contributors can now access up to $9 million to purchase on the open market and up to $11 million to build on their own land. We’ve expanded our Home Grant eligibility and are now extending grants to those needing additional support to complete homes already started with NHT financing,” he noted.
Future residents of Longville Meadows will also benefit from 100% financing, deferred and intergenerational mortgages, and the Parent Assist programme.
Under the Guaranteed Purchase Programme developers like Gore lead the design and implement housing projects, while the NHT guarantees purchase of the completed units, reducing cost and risk, and ensuring better value for contributors. Typically, under the GPP, developments are carried out on lands owned by the developer, however, in this instance with Gore Developments Limited, the project will incorporate lands owned by the developer along with adjoining lands owned by the NHT.
Clarendon holds historical significance for the NHT, as the parish is home to its very first development, Ashley Hall, built in 1977. With Longville Meadows and other upcoming projects, the NHT plans to deliver another almost 8,500 new solutions in the parish in the next several years.
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness leads the groundbreaking exercise for Longville Meadows. Joining the Prime Minster are from left: Christopher Gore, Managing Director, Gore Developments Limited; Linval Freeman, Chairman, NHT; the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern and Minister of Labour and Social Security; Ruthven Ottey, General Manager, Gore Developments Limited and Martin Miller, Managing Director, NHT.