7-storey W18 development to rise on former Truck Stop site
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Construction will begin next month on a seven-storey development on West Kings House Road in Kingston, on land previously associated with Truck Stop Grill & Bar.
Known as W18, the mixed-use project earmarked for 18 West Kings House Road aims to deliver a blend of retail, office and lifestyle spaces.
The project, being undertaken by Delorvan Limited, which owns the property, is scheduled for completion in December 2027.
"I have had a few meetings concerning the development; people are intrigued," said Rochelle Townsend, real estate adviser at Jamaica Sotheby's International Realty, which is marketing the development. "Companies looking to centralise their operations are particularly interested."
She added that a few overseas investors were keen, but wanted properties already built "for immediate occupancy".
The development features two levels of retail space at ground (DEL/ AT THE LOWER) level, designed to capture foot traffic, with commercial office floors above. Each floor offers roughly 8,040 square feet of flexible space.
Amenities include a rooftop terrace and event lounge for tenants and private functions; landscaped green areas; 132 parking spaces across two sub-levels; and sustainability features such as rainwater harvesting and fire-suppression systems.
According to Jamaica Sotheby's, the entire development can be acquired by a single investor for US$20 million, though other options have been presented, including the purchase of individual floors of 8,040 square feet for US$3,216,000 each, down to a 54-square-foot shop on the first floor for US$217,600. Individual floors can also be leased at US$257,280 a year.
The entry of W18 to the real estate market comes at a time when realtors say demand appears to be trending away from luxury condominiums towards commercial, warehouse and storage space, especially in Kingston.
But Jamaica Sotheby's says W18 — located on a primary commercial thoroughfare close to the Canadian High Commission, MegaMart and Fontana Waterloo — is a rare opportunity for investors.
"W18 is purpose-built to attract quality tenants, support stable cash flow, and deliver enduring capital appreciation," Townsend said.
The property at 18 West Kings House Road has been tapped for development for years. The parcel, measuring more than three-quarters of an acre, was bought by Delorvan Limited for US$2 million from Premier Development Company Limited in 2021. Delorvan is registered at a shop in Tropical Plaza in Kingston, associated with businessman Carl Chang.
Truck Stop Grill & Bar, a popular night eatery at 18 West Kings House Road known for jerk cuisine, seafood and desserts, posted its final Facebook update in November 2022.