The proposed redevelopment of the Pink Beach Club site has been welcomed by the Progressive Labour Party and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert said while the Opposition were happy to see the job-creating project move forward, he stressed that Bermudians must be given priority when the hiring starts.

“We believe that qualified, capable, Bermudians must come first in terms of jobs and opportunities in Bermuda and believe this represents a golden opportunity for many Bermudians who want to work, to get back to work,” Mr Furbert said.

“Bermudian contractors and Bermudian construction workers, who have suffered tremendously in this recession, must be given fair opportunities to be employed on this project.

“We further believe that qualified capable Bermudians must come first in jobs and opportunities at this new tourism property once hiring begins.

“The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party congratulates the developer and is looking forward to seeing Bermudians back to work on and at that historic property.”

CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority Bill Hanbury, meanwhile, said the body was pleased to hear that the plans to redevelop the Pink Beach property are progressing.

“This is another indication of the start of an economic revival that is taking place in Bermuda,” he said. “We fully support projects that are going to result in more jobs for Bermudians and upgraded facilities for our visitors.”

The Pink Beach Club first opened its doors in 1947 but went into receivership in 2010 due to declining visitor numbers and a difficult economic climate.

It was announced earlier this year that Sardis Development Ltd, a Canadian company, had purchased the South Shore property.

According to recently submitted planning documents, the company intends to raze almost all the buildings on the site before erecting a new 34-room boutique hotel along with all new amenities and condominiums.

The project is estimated to create between 80 and 100 construction jobs, while 56 people will be employed by the hotel itself once it opens its doors.

Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell celebrated the announcement last week, while Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) chairman Stuart Hayward said his initial impressions of the project were positive.