Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Deadline for Cross Island ideas looms

Seeking proposals: Wayne Caines, of the Cross Island Legacy Committee, addressing the Hamilton Rotary Club today (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

The deadline for ideas to be submitted regarding the future use of the Cross Island site is this Sunday.

Cross Island is nine acres of reclaimed land at the Royal Naval Dockyard, which will host the America’s Cup event village next year.

More than 180 online submissions have been received about the use of the land after the America’s Cup finishes but the committee is hoping to reach 200.

There have been some colourful suggestions so far, including a brothel called the Queen of the West and a live music venue.

“We set out to get more than 150 ideas,” said Wayne Caines, the chairman of the Cross Island Legacy Committee. “It is realistic so say that we want 200.”

The committee, aided by Deloitte, has been tasked by the West End Development Corporation to consult with the public over the plans for the land’s use.

Mr Caines, who spoke about Cross Island at the Hamilton Rotary Club today, added: “I got involved in this committee because this area of land represents a genuine opportunity to create a legacy for Bermuda.

“We must have had at least 50 people suggesting a water park, but that does not mean it will be among our recommendations to Wedco.

“The committee has a meeting soon after the deadline has passed when we will start the process of making recommendations on the use to Wedco.”

Ideas will be scored against a series of objectives. They are:

• Economic — it provides economic benefits to Bermuda

• Environmental — that it is sensitive to the environment, surrounding historical significance, and marine habitats

• Financial — that it delivers a good return on investment for Bermuda

• Social/cultural — whether it is connected to Bermuda’s heritage and culture and provides social benefits to Bermuda

• Structural — that it is a good fit for the location, physical site, and exposure to weather and elements.

“If you have an idea — however off the wall you think it might be — please submit it, we’ve had the idea of a brother already after all,” Mr Caines said.