On September 21, 2017, Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave a directive for the National Housing Trust (NHT) to identify land in the Barbican area.

This is to address housing concerns for people who are currently not receiving NHT benefits via the form of low cost housing.

He was addressing residents at a mini town hall meeting hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister in Barbican square to outline plans for the Barbican roadway improvement project.

The prime minister gave the directive after expressing concerns over the housing conditions in some sections of Barbican, such as Grant's Pen.

The town hall meeting was addressed by communications manager for the National Works Agency Stephen Shaw, Member of Parliament Delroy Chuck, and minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Dr Horace Chang.

The US$4.4-million Barbican project, when completed, will allow for better traffic management and the enhancement of commercial activities in that area. The project is to be completed by December.