A Grade One-listed historic building in St. George's is to be demolished due to extensive hurricane damage and years of disrepair.

Engineers said the costs of renovating Arcadia House in Slippery Hill would outweigh the demolition and reconstruction bill.

The 100-year-old property — owned by the Bermuda Housing Corporation — is described as "important, both of itself and because of its prominent site overlooking St. George's", but will now be razed to the ground.

A Development Applications Board report describes the building as "a well-preserved example of the grand 19th century residential architecture of the British military".

Built between 1898-1900, it features a tower, colonnaded verandah, elaborate window mouldings, English-style pot chimneys, and "impressive walls and gates on the road side".

But in a letter to the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, the housing corporation said: "After nearly five years in a derelict state, the Bermuda Housing Corporation board has resolved to have the above-mentioned property demolished.

"Recognising the Arcadia building's historic significance, we have unsuccessfully been able to render a suitable restoration initiative that is in keeping with BHC's mandate in providing affordable housing.

"With the influx of squatters and general life and safety hazards associated with Arcadia, we are duly moving forward with a planning application for demolition."

A report by engineering firm Brunel Ltd. concluded Arcadia House was "in very poor condition due to damage from Hurricane Fabian as well as from extended exposure to extreme weather over the last several years".

It said repairs would involve the removal of the upper level; plastering; stripping fixtures windows; and "completely restructuring the upper level floor and roof".

The engineering company said: "This reinstatement could be very costly and time consuming.

"Based upon current market rates for traditional residential Bermuda construction ie: $250/sq ft, the cost to completely demolish and reconstruct the existing building would be less costly."

However, there are no immediate plans to redevelop the site for affordable housing. BHC told the Planning Department: "Upon demolition there are no immediate plans to redevelop as it is our intention to leave the site free of any life and safety hazards that currently inflict the building."

The DAB approved the application for demolition.