The Transport Authority (TA) will be relocated to the old JAMINTEL building, downtown Kingston, by early 2016, the Ministry of Transport revealed yesterday.

Our news desk understands the building, located at the corner of Duke and North streets, was purchased by the Transport Authority in April for $150 million, and is to be retrofitted to the tune of $290 million.

Plans are in place to undergo structural improvement to the building.

According to the Ministry, the TA will be installing information technology infrastructure and retrofitting the car park for use by customers.

Dr Morais Guy, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, speaking at yesterday's stakeholders consultation forum held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston, disclosed that preparatory work currently taking place at the location include air quality testing, and repairing service elevators to create access for work teams.

The minister also told the gathering that he has asked the TA to include community members in the process to reshape the building.

He further stated that a social intervention committee has been set up to engage the stakeholders in the community to ensure that harmonious and sustainable relations are established, and that there is equity in the distribution of labour on the project.

The TA is currently on Maxfield Avenue.