Patrons who have been in the dark about the reopening of their favourite beach in St Catherine, the privately managed Fort Clarence location, are being advised that its reopening to the public will be done on a phased basis.

Fort Clarence is the preferred beach of many Kingston and St Catherine residents, located in the same stretch of shoreline with Hellshire beach, but guarded against unwanted intruders and operated privately. The management of the attraction was handed over to Guardsman Limited by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in 2019. Since that time accessibility has been reduced.

Laura Heron, managing director, Guardsman Hospitality, told the Jamaica Observer, “Please be informed that the property had a soft opening on August 13, 2022 and we have been having growing patronage since then.”

“We are not yet ready to announce the full reopening as there is still ongoing work on the property. Please be mindful that the development of the property will be on a phased basis and will be undertaken while also allowing the public access.”

Guardian Hospitality took control of Fort Clarence on September 1, 2019 after acquiring the lease from the UDC. Originally, it should have reopened fully two years ago under the phased redevelopment plan.

To be executed over five years, the redevelopment project includes a new water park and pool, while structures such as the kitchen, bathroom, storage area and changing areas will be torn down and rebuilt to “international standards”.

Heron outlined, previously, that Guardsman will also expand the restaurant offerings, creating a comprehensive entertainment complex. The property, comprising 16 hectares of beachfront, is much sought after by locals who are far away from other beaches located on the north, south and east coasts of the island. Fort Clarence beach is used for entertainment events, family gatherings and individual relaxation,

Guardsman Hospitality is the company which also oversaw the upgrading of Puerto Seco Beach Club in St Ann in 2018. The company also operates Konoko Falls in that same parish and the not-for-profit Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation (Hope Zoo Kingston).

In 2016 the UDC touted the redevelopment plan for Fort Clarence as one that would upgrade the property to First-World standards, increase its economic viability and open up further opportunities for investment and employment.

The UDC also touted the inclusion of sports facilities and the hosting of related events. Alpha Construction was awarded the contract for the project in 2016. It is not clear what was the result of that initiative. Later the UDC handed over the project to Guardsman.