Work is about to start on a major upgrade of one of the two Reid Street entrances to the Washington Mall, which is likely to result in the area being closed to the public for more than three months.

Paul Slaughter, director and general manager, of the mall’s owners, Washington Properties (Bermuda) Ltd, said: “We hope to start work at the 9 Reid Street entrance on February 5, as long as all the materials needed have arrived in Bermuda. Based on that start date, we hope that the project will be completed by mid-May.

“The work being carried out will involve replacing the store- fronts at the entrance as well as the automatic entrance door, floor tiles, ceiling, lights and Pedimat.

“We will also be upgrading the 9 Reid Street passenger elevator, which will be out of service during this time.”

Mr Slaughter added: “The work is very extensive, so we will need to install hoarding and the entrance will be blocked off entirely to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

“Signs will be posted, both inside and outside of the mall, advising everyone to use the 7 Reid Street or Washington Lane entrance.

“We acknowledge that it will cause some disruption, but we think the results will be worthwhile and hope people can bear with us while we get the work done.”

The work is part of an $8 million refurbishment of the mall — solar panels have already been installed and work has already begun on a new air-conditioning system.