Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Strong interest in redeveloping wharf

Time for change: BLDC has received around a dozen submissions since it invited expressions of interest from potential developers of the Ships’ (Marginal) Wharf area

A raft of development proposals have been submitted as part of an initiative to rejuvenate Marginal Wharf.

Landowners, the Bermuda Land Development Company, recently asked for ‘expressions of interest’ on the property in St David’s.

The BLDC has already received around a dozen submissions from potential developers looking to take advantage of the development opportunity.

And it has also received interest from abroad.

St David’s MP, Suzanne Roberts-Holshouser, who is also the acting chairwoman of the BLDC, said: “The applications have been coming in quite nicely.

“It’s really exciting and we have even had interest from overseas.”

Mrs Roberts-Holshouser added: “It is my primary belief that everyone is on an equal footing.

“That is why we have gone about it this way.

“We want it to be the best for Bermuda and St David’s.”

Potential developers interested in putting forward a proposal for the land have until October 17 to make their submissions.

The BLDC appeal for proposals comes after years of inactivity in the area.

Mrs Roberts-Holshouser said: “We are doing this for the community.

“Individual parties had approached us about Marginal Wharf and we thought now is the time we should look at all the possibilities.

“The only way forward is to put it out to everyone.

“We wanted to make sure we did it properly before anyone had a chance to say we did not have the opportunity to have our say.

“It’s about transparency and doing something about an area that has remained largely dormant for a long time.”

At present the land around Marginal Wharf is occupied by a handful of boat yards and tradesmen, and large areas of the site have become overgrown and fallen into disrepair.

The berth itself is blighted by the rusting hull of the Niobe Corinthian.

The area around the wharf has become a hotbed of development debate, as plans to overhaul Hamilton’s Waterfront have come to the fore.

Plans to develop the Hamilton Waterfront would inevitably mean that the docks would need to be moved elsewhere.

And many, including St George’s MP Kenneth Bascome, believe that Marginal Wharf is the best alternative location for the docks.

A spokesperson for the BLDC added: “The BLDC has been pleased with the responses received by our Expression of Interest for Ships’ (Marginal) Wharf at Southside thus far.

“We can confirm that a gratifying number of packages have been collected from BLDC, including interests from overseas.

“The BLDC looks forward to reviewing the submissions received once the October 17, 2014 deadline passes, with the anticipation that this development proposal opportunity will not only upgrade the wharf area, but it will also bring jobs and commerce activities to the community.”