The owner of the Palmetto Hotel site said he is currently working with an architect on designs for the property.

Jeff Amaral knocked down the former Palmetto Bay Hotel in 2001 and obtained permission from the Government to build condominiums and a hotel in its place. Over the years there have been concerns raised about the reality of the proposed hotel because the condos were built and being sold by 2003 but no plans for the tourist accommodation had been submitted.

Mr. Amaral remained adamant that he would build a hotel on the property. In 2003 he explained that the condominiums had not sold as quickly as originally anticipated, which meant he did not have the necessary financing for the hotel. He also cited the September 11 terrorism attacks and the resulting downward trend in air arrivals to the Island as a reason for the hotel?s delay.

This week Mr. Amaral said: ?We are in the design stage at the moment. I cannot give any specifics because things are still in the very early stages.? He said he was still modifying the designs before submitting them to Planning.