6 500 new homes planned for St Lucy

Minister of Housing, Lands, and Maintenance, Dwight Sutherland, has revealed an ambitious plan to transform St. Lucy with new housing developments and improved infrastructure, addressing longstanding concerns that the parish has been neglected.

Speaking at the St. Lucy Ideas Forum on Wednesday, Sutherland outlined the government’s vision, noting that 650 acres of land have been identified for housing—part of the islandwide 1,768-acre assessment previously conducted in collaboration with the Town Planning Department.

With a minimum of ten houses per acre, he said the area could accommodate over 6,500 homes.

“We’ll bring back life to St. Lucy through housing and good infrastructure,” Sutherland said, acknowledging the need for essential services such as water supply, which he noted that the government is working to improve.

The minister shared that the first signs of progress are already visible, with 17 houses at Coconut Hall ready for occupation and 20 more to be built.

Plans are also in place for major developments in Nesfield (50 acres), Lowlands (150 acres), Bentham (20 acres), and Fustic (9 acres), where some 89 homes are slated for construction.

In addition to housing plans, Sutherland revealed that the government intends to develop a small town centre at Nesfield, featuring businesses, a gas station, and other amenities to reduce residents’ reliance on Speightstown for daily needs.

Sutherland assured residents that these projects mark a turning point, aimed at revitalising the area and fostering growth within the parish.