Plans for the rebuilding of the Wortley Home for Girls, recently destroyed by fire, have been designed by well-known architect Rivi Gardner, and were presented at a Media Briefing hosted by the Diocese of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands (Anglican), which operates the Home, on Wednesday, September 9.

Based on the plans, Chartered Quantity Surveyors, Berkeley & Spence, project that it will cost approximately J$43.6 million to rebuild the Home.

Details of the building plans were unveiled by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson, Suffragan Bishop of Kingston and Canonical Administrator of the Diocese. He told stakeholders attending the briefing at the Diocese’s Head Office in Cross Roads that, “The new structure will be a modern residence, providing all the amenities for the comfort of the girls and the efficient operation of the Home.”

The Project will involve demolition and clearing of the site and construction of a split-level building. The space at the entry level will accommodate a 16-bed dormitory and bathroom facilities, two separate bedrooms and sanitary facilities for staff, a sick bay and staff training room. The upper storey will house another 16-bed dormitory, bathrooms and accommodation for a House Mother; as well as, a home work and study room. 

Provision has been made for two emergency staircases on the second floor. Space is also provided at ground level for storage and office use; and, the adjacent building on the complex will continue to serve as the kitchen, dining room and laundry.

“During the coming months, the plans will be refined and submitted for the approval of the relevant building authorities, and we expect that construction will begin before the end of the year,” Bishop Thompson said.

He explained that the Rebuilding Fund which was opened at the Scotiabank Group Financial Centre, Constant Spring, following the fire on June 29, currently stands at J$2 million.

“We hope to galvanize even greater support as we prepare to rebuild and take this Home into a new era of service and development,” he stated.
The Bishop acknowledged the contribution of Rivi Gardner & Associates, as well as, Berkeley & Spence, which provided their services free of cost; and, he also recognised corporate entities, including Tank Weld, which has offered to clear the site for erection of the new building; and Food for the Poor.
He added: “We have been getting help from a number of churches and other corporate sponsors. Jamaica National Building Society partnered with us to mount today’s media briefing and to help as we communicate with the public; and, we welcome their assistance and participation in this project.”
Both Bishop Thompson and Mr. Raphael “Keith” Sangster, Chairman of the Home’s Board of Management thanked Sister Teresita DeSouza of the Immaculate Conception Convent, who kindly accommodated the 19 girls at the Home following the fire.

They also expressed gratitude to the Child Development Agency and Counsellors in the Diocese whose interventions assisted the girls to cope with the dislocation caused by the fire, as well as the many generous citizens and former residents of the Home who have contributed in cash and kind.

The Wortley Home for Girls was established by the Anglican Church in 1918 to provide a stable and nurturing environment for orphans, or children whose parents had fallen on hard times. It has since expanded its mandate and now accepts girls who have are referred there on the basis of decisions by the Juvenile Court.
“We are providing more than a place to live. Our objective is to create an environment in which the girls can be socialised and take their place in society,” Bishop Thompson asserted.