One of the many problems facing newly independent Jamaica in the 1960's was the increasing trend towards overpopulation in the urban centres. Because capital investment in mining, manufacturing and tourism was concentrated in these areas, there was a drift of the rural population to the cities and towns in search of employment and an improved quality of life.
It was at this stage, that the Government decided that the problems of urban growth could be ameliorated by creating new and viable urban centres in rural areas to ease the pressure from the existing ones. This would be accompanied by improvement in the urban fabric of metropolitan regions.
Herein was seen the need for a developer in the public interest, which would combine the authority and resources of Government, with the expertise and dynamism of the private sector, supported by appropriate legislative powers. Thus the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) came into being in March 1968.
Since 1968, the UDC has effectively transformed Jamaica's most viable urban centres and strategic rural towns, whilst preserving the natural environment, traditions and customs and spurring economic development. The organization, through its development programmes, has significantly improved the coverage and quality of public infrastructure, in addition to introducing alternative patterns of urban settlement, including creative shelter solutions and the development of new townships.
UDC's Corporation Mission
- To fulfill our role as Government's urban developer in accordance with the provisions of the Urban Development Corporation Act
- To be sensitive to the needs of our clients
- To encourage an environment where new ideas are fostered, trust and mutual respect are developed so that the corporation can benefit from the vast wealth of its most important asset - its people
- To effectively manage our resources and ensure preservation, sustainability and optimization of returns
- To maintain high professional standards and provide optimal service to our internal and external customers
- To deliver quality and cost-effective products in a timely manner
- To remain a relevant, viable and self-sustaining entity KRC was established in March 1983 by a group of private sector entities and the Government of Jamaica's Urban Development Corporation (UDC).
KRC came into being at a time when Downtown Kingston, the "lifeblood of the city" showed extreme signs of deterioration and disinvestments and the government and private sector sought desperately to halt the decay and begin to revitalise Downtown Kingston.
