St Ann's Bay gets state-of-the-art business complex
Published:Saturday | July 16, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer
ST ANN'S BAY, St Ann:
PARISH CAPITAL St Ann's Bay has received a much-needed boost in terms of development, with the opening of the Evansville Business and Entertainment Complex at Gloucester Drive, off Windsor Road.
The majestic, four-storey, state-of-the-art complex houses air-conditioned bars, ballrooms - including a huge one with built-in stage, conference halls, office spaces and more facilities to come. Offices spaces range from 600 to 3,000 sq ft.
"In the making, we have another huge ballroom on the roof; we're also going to have three penthouse apartments which is under construction right now," explained owner Ancel Evans.
He added: "We're also going to have 20 rooms available, which have started. In addition, we're going to have a landing pad on top of the roof so a helicopter can come in."
The building is complete with an inside water fountain, elevator, steel rails, chandeliers and other elegant settings. It is available for all types of functions, including weddings, graduations, conferences and live shows, and has already been booked and utilised.
Evans said he is eyeing the upscale market and would shortly begin an aggressive marketing campaign. Asked if he expects to get wide public support, a confident Evans replied: "Oh sure! It's state-of-the-art, this almost supersedes world standard. All who have come to this place just love it!"
Invest
Evans lived in New York, USA, for several years before returning to Jamaica to invest. The complex is expected to add depth and variety to both the business and entertainment scenes in St Ann.
"You know, Jamaica is my home. St Ann's Bay is the capital of St Ann and there's nothing going on in St Ann's Bay, everybody just sitting and waiting so I decide to make the move. So I'm going to move forward," he told The Gleaner.
Describing himself as a multi-skilled person, Evans said he did a lot of the work on the building, from designing to laying the foundation to actual construction. He said he is willing to share his expertise with local authorities.
"I have a lot of other ideas but I have to talk to the people in authority. I have a lot of expertise I can share with the parish council," Evans explained.
And explaining his philanthropic side, Evans said he has helped a lot of persons over the years and will continue to do so. He plans to establish a foundation in this regard.
"As soon as I get this place up and running the way I like it, I want to set up a foundation to try to help some unfortunate kids to get an education," he said.