A plan to refurbish or sell off Government-owned properties that are empty will provide value for money for taxpayers, it has been claimed.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Public Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin revealed that Government had spent $11 million renting real estate to house administration offices — 33 Government-owned properties are currently vacant.

Responding to questions from Independent MP Terry Lister, Ms Gordon said that all empty properties were being assessed and prioritised as part of a property asset management plan.

“Most of these vacant buildings are in a poor state of repair and require refurbishment and capital expenditure before they can be occupied,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin said.

“The property asset management plan will ensure that the Government’s real estate is providing value for money for the Bermuda taxpayer.

Currently, Government spends some $11 million to rent space from the private sector.

The strategy is to identify those vacant properties that can be brought back into a habitable condition to provide quality accommodation for public service departments and to reduce the rental expenditure.

“In addition, where they can, vacant properties can be used to create innovative opportunities to stimulate wider economic growth for the Island.

The Minister added that, if buildings were deemed no longer suitable as Government offices, they could either be rented out to the private sector or sold “if the market is favourable”.

“This action plan on vacant properties will be ready by the end of July this year and will set priorities for larger vacant buildings including the old Hamilton Police Station,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin said.

“Government architects are now working on options for this building and the Estates Department are identifying potential occupiers.

“Invitations to tender on some Government properties is underway, with the vacant Shelley Bay Beach House going out to tender today.

“Soon to follow — next week — will be see similar tender invitations being issued for Traditions restaurant in Southampton and others will follow.