BOOT Group Breaks Ground on J$1.5B Commercial Hub in Drax Hall

 

The BOOT Group of Companies has commenced construction on BOOT 2, a J$1.5 billion mixed-use commercial development in Drax Hall, St. Ann. The project will expand the brand’s national footprint and strengthen St. Ann’s position as one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing commercial centres.

Key Details

The four-storey, 68,819-square-foot complex will include a supermarket, Wendy’s franchise, cinema, fine dining restaurants, retail spaces, and professional offices. Designed by architect Leighton Hamilton, the development will also feature underground parking, a pedestrian bridge linking BOOT 1 and BOOT 2, and Wi-Fi-enabled bus stops along the adjoining highway corridor.

Construction is expected to take 18 months, creating hundreds of jobs during both the building and operational phases. Commercial spaces, ranging from 700 to 15,000 square feet, are being marketed by Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty.

Background

Founded on a mission to redefine service and convenience, the BOOT Group has evolved from a service station chain into a multifaceted commercial brand integrating food, retail, and lifestyle experiences. BOOT 2 is part of a national expansion plan that includes new projects in Montego Bay (2026) and another major site in 2027.

The project aligns with the Government of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 plan, which promotes sustainable urban development and private sector-led growth.

Quotes

Alexcia Boothe, CEO of BOOT Group, said the development represents more than a physical structure — it’s about transforming the community experience:

“BOOT 2 is about building communities and enhancing convenience. It will create opportunities, jobs, and a lifestyle experience that serves families, entrepreneurs, and visitors.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, delivering the keynote address, commended the project’s alignment with Jamaica’s broader economic goals:

“BOOT 2 reflects vision and belief in Jamaica’s potential. Developments like this align with our plans for road expansion, economic prosperity, and job creation.”

Water Minister Matthew Samuda also highlighted the Government’s J$200 million water upgrade investment in Drax Hall, noting its support for private sector growth in the region.

Analysis

The BOOT 2 development comes amid an ongoing transformation of the north coast corridor, where Drax Hall has emerged as a key commercial hub between Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay. With improved road infrastructure and tourism-driven demand, the location has become a magnet for retail, hospitality, and housing investments.

The project’s mixed-use approach—combining leisure, business, and lifestyle offerings—reflects a broader trend in Jamaica’s urban design philosophy, prioritising convenience, connectivity, and sustainability.

Our Opinion

BOOT 2 represents a meaningful step forward in the decentralisation of commercial development across Jamaica. By investing in St. Ann’s growing corridor, BOOT is not only expanding its brand but also supporting the island’s regional economic balance and job creation agenda.

As the north coast continues to attract both local and international investors, projects like this illustrate how strategic private-public collaboration can shape modern, connected Jamaican communities.

Call to Action:
Stay with Mykro Wave TV JM for updates on construction milestones and future BOOT developments across the island.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left), engages in conversation with Alexcia Boothe, chief executive officer of BOOT (right), and Wayne Boothe, managing director, during the BOOT 2 Groundbreaking Ceremony held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Drax Hall, St. Ann. (Photo: Contributed)