The new operator of the Horseshoe Bay concession has voiced concerns that a major car park renovation project will adversely affect visitor experience as well as his business.

Rick Olson still plans to open The Rum Rum Bar and Restaurant at the beginning of March despite improvements to the car park expected to take until May to complete.

But, Mr Olson told The Royal Gazette the “huge project” should have started last November to ensure it did not impinge on cruise visitors and holidaymakers arriving in the first five months of 2017.

The main South Road access to Horseshoe Bay Beach is expected to remain shut until the start of May to accommodate the extensive improvements, which include a new parking and road layout and a timber pedestrian boardwalk.

“If there is no access, people will not come — that is my concern,” he said. “We will still be ready to open on March 1 although we still have a lot of stuff we need to turn around.

“But, my major concern is for our visitors and their experience. Cruise visitors arriving in March and April will be affected by the closure of the main entrance to Horseshoe Bay.

“We have parties booked for March, so will be open. But, accessibility will be an issue for us as well as the visitors.

“This work should have started back in November so it caused the least inconvenience to everyone.

“In many ways, our hands are tied; we are at the mercy of this project completing on time.

“By starting it now, they have jeopardised the start of the season.”

Improvements at Horseshoe Bay Beach began at the weekend and a fence has been erected across the South Road entrance while construction and landscaping work takes place.

Access through the main entrance will be restored once the makeover is complete on May 1.

The works, aimed at improving the ease of transport and accessibility, are in line with the “Beach Vision” laid out in May 2016 and will include stormwater drainage systems, new transport drop-offs, new seating and lighting and also removal of invasive species.

The Bermuda Government last night defended the project saying it would ultimately benefit all beach-users and the concession.

“The work needs to be carried out in order to improve the beach experience for all beach-users,” a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works said.

“The end product will ultimately benefit the concession once transportation and access have been improved.

“The ministry asks for everyone’s patience as we seek to complete these works as quickly as possible and with the least impact on the concession and beach-users.”

Government has recommended that people wishing to use Horseshoe Beach use two alternate locations east of the usual entrance.

The first alternative access is a thoroughfare across from the Southampton Rangers Sports Club field, which has some car parking and where beachgoers are warned to take care on the steep path.

The second access point will be through Chaplin Bay, directly across from the entrance to Warwick Camp, providing access for cars, cycles and pedestrians.