Tourism Development Minister Shawn Crockwell has insisted that he remains “very confident” that plans to build a luxury hotel on the former Club Med site will reach fruition this year.

He said the developer Desarrollos would be on-Island next month to finalise arrangements and he was hopeful that excavation work on the much anticipated St George’s resort would begin by the autumn.

Mr Crockwell acknowledged that the success of the One Bermuda Alliance administration, which is approaching its midterm point, was riding on making certain projects such as the St George’s hotel a reality.

“I have been very pleased with the progress,” he told The Royal Gazette. “We have a very enthusiastic and eager developer. All parties have now submitted their position with regards to the lease and the developer will be here on May 6. I am hopeful to be able to give an update to the country sometime thereafter and we will be looking to seal some deals during that trip. Their financials are in a good situation and, all in all, it’s looking very good.”

Government had initially hoped that work on the hotel project could begin as early as this month.

But delays prompted by the developers Desarrollos deciding to change the hotel brand meant the proposed start date had to be put back until after the summer.

“I am hoping that excavation of this project will begin at the end of summer or early fall, while work will begin in earnest this year,” said Mr Crockwell.

“I’m confident saying that because I deal with this project every day.

“I would not have done anything different looking back. there has been some unwarranted criticism and unwarranted attacks on the developers. But I remain very confident in their ability to come through based on what I have seen and heard.

“We are now looking at the incentive acts. We need to do more to attract developers to Bermuda and create a system that will encourage existing owners to reinvest and redevelop their property.”

Developer Desarrollos Hotelco Group signed a statement of intent with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to build a hotel on the old Club Med site at the end of last year.

The proposed development includes a 238-room hotel, a casino, golf villas, a spa and fitness centre as well as the renovation of the 18-hole St George’s Golf Course.

Mr Crockwell said: “We understand as a Government that this development is crucial to Bermuda and crucial to our credibility as a Government. This is a crucial year for us and we understand the impact of the midterm stage.

“We have had two years to get work down and now the success of this Government is riding on bringing into fruition certain projects.

“We have to deliver on these promises and I am confident that we can.”