Project aiming to support country’s bid for 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Ryder Architecture and US sports consultancy CAA ICON have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Jamaica’s national stadium in Kingston.
Independence Park was built in 1966 and is used mostly to host football and athletics, with a current capacity of 35,000.
The reimagined ground will seat up to 37,500 people and accommodate up to 50,000 for concerts and entertainment events under plans drawn up for Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
The 45,000sq m new venue will feature a nine lane athletics tracks, two fan zones, premium hospitality lounges and a fan boulevard, with the scheme expected to start on site in summer 2027.
The design team, which includes Buro Happold, Turner & Townsend and Oxford Economics, has been working with the Jamaican government since 2024 to assess the future potential of Independence Park.
The project is being supported by UK Export Finance with initial feasibility studies concluding that a new, purpose built facility is “essential to realise Jamaica’s long term ambitions”, according to Ryder.
Jonathan Seebacher, project director and principal at Ryder, said early plans envisage preserving the ground’s west stand while improving hospitality and fan experiences.
“The new stadium, defined by its striking roof design, will have the flexibility to host world class concerts and major international events. The wider masterplan will create a dynamic civic destination where sport, culture, and community come together for residents and visitors alike,” Seebacher said.
He added that the redevelopment is aiming to support Jamaica’s ambitions on the world stage, including with its bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Jonathan Cook, deputy British high commissioner to Jamaica, said the redevelopment of the stadium is an “important step in strengthening Jamaica’s sporting and cultural infrastructure”.
He added: “The UK is pleased to support this work through trusted partnerships that bring international expertise, strong governance and a focus on long term sustainability, as the project moves through Jamaica’s established approval processes.”
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