Ryder and CAA ICON Unveil Concept Designs for the Transformation of Independence Park

Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) and supported by UK Export Finance the 45,000sqm stadium and masterplan represents an opportunity to create a world class destination rooted in Jamaican culture, heritage and sporting excellence.

With a 37,500 seat capacity, designed to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards, the venue will feature a nine lane athletics track, two fan zones, premium hospitality lounges, and a fan boulevard, while accommodating up to 50,000 people for concerts and major entertainment events.

The design team, which includes Buro Happold, Turner & Townsend and Oxford Economics, has worked closely with MCGES since 2024 to assess the future potential of Independence Park. Initial feasibility studies concluded that a new, purpose built facility was essential to realise Jamaica’s long term ambitions.

The vision has been shaped through more than 50 stakeholder engagement sessions involving MCGES, community representatives, delivery partners and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), to create a masterplan that will rival some of the best sporting facilities in the world.

Jonathan Seebacher, project director and principal at Ryder, said,

“As part of our vision for Independence Park, we are preserving and celebrating the iconic West Grandstand while transforming the stadium with enhanced 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.

“The existing training stadium will also be retained and enhanced through upgraded pitches, expanded facilities, and stronger connections to the surrounding public realm – creating a connected, future ready sporting campus. Together, the redevelopment will position Independence Park to support Jamaica’s ambitions on the global stage, including its FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031 bid.”

David Hickey, senior vice president of CAA ICON said, “We are proud to be part of the team supporting MCGES and Independence Park Ltd in their ambition to redevelop Jamaica’s national stadium. The new stadium plan for Independence Park will transform the existing venue into a modern, world class facility that will provide a positive platform for Jamaican cultural, sports and entertainment events as well as inspiring the next generation of Jamaican talent.

“We recognize the significance of this venue to the Jamaican community and realize how important it will be for Jamaica’s ambitions to host global events and make a positive impact to the Jamaican economy.”

Jonathan Cook, Deputy British High Commissioner to Jamaica, said, “The redevelopment of the National Stadium is an important step in strengthening Jamaica’s sporting and cultural infrastructure. 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.”

Design and technical design are expected to progress in June 2026, with a start on site date of summer 2027.