A Grade One-listed historic building in St. George's has been demolished, despite objections from conservation groups.

The Bermuda National Trust, St. George's Preservation Authority, Historic Buildings Advisory Committee and the Corporation of St. George's all objected to the razing of Arcadia House.

It has further emerged that a year ago, the World Heritage Management Committee also wrote to the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) requesting "attention be given to the state of Arcadia House in preparation for the upcoming celebrations in 2009 of the 400th anniversary of permanent settlement".

Planning officials however, gave the go-ahead to owners BHC to knock down the building after engineers said the costs of renovating it would prove uneconomical.

Arcadia House, on Slippery Hill, was previously used as affordable housing and was listed for its location, architectural merit and historical importance to the British military. In a DAB report the structure was described as "a well-preserved example of the grand 19th century residential architecture of the British military".

The building is thought to have been built in 1812 by John Van Norden, then Mayor of St. George's, and featured a tower, colonnaded verandah, elaborate window mouldings and English-style pot chimneys.

However it suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Fabian and fell into ruin. Even three years ago, it was estimated $1.4 million would be needed to restore the building. The damage was such that the floors were deemed unsafe to walk on, the walls were cracked and damp, and the tower, verandah and chimneys were all destroyed.

In a letter to the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, BHC 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. described Arcadia House as "an eyesore". It concluded: "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. Brunel Ltd. believes that demolishing the existing building and reconstructing a new building would be more economical."

The report said: "Given the loss of its architectural features, health and safety concerns and structural damage, demolishing the building is the best option."

The Historic Buildings Advisory Committee however, made one of several objections to the application for demolition. It said: "As a Grade One-listed building, every effort should be made in future development to protect the remaining fabric."

In a letter to the Planning Department, Jennifer Gray, director of the Bermuda National Trust, added: "It is of great concern to us when an application is made to demolish a Grade One-listed building. While the Trust understands that the building is severely damaged and purportedly beyond repair, we ask that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that Arcadia House indeed is beyond saving.

"Bermuda's architectural heritage is too precious to be allowed to disappear in this way."

Mariea Caisey, chairwoman of the St. George's Preservation Authority, also sent a letter of objection. It said: "We realise that the property is in a state of serious disrepair, and that Hurricane Fabian caused some of the damage in 2003. However, the property sits on a very lofty site and is a landmark when entering the Town of St. George.

"Therefore, the St. George's Preservation Authority objects to the demolition of this historic building and requests that the property be restored to its original state."

A letter from the Corporation of St. George's added: "If we continue to permit the buildings like Arcadia, which is a listed One building, to change, in time the complete image of our World Heritage Site will disappear."

Describing the building as a "lovely town icon", the Corporation said: "We must be ever vigilant in preserving our history and heritage for future generations."

Despite approving the demolition, the DAB said: "Any redevelopment of this site should give due consideration to the historical architectural features of the surrounding area. Some of the architectural features of Arcadia House such as the window mouldings, chimneys and verandah should be incorporated into the redevelopment of this site."

There are, however, no 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."

BHC did not return The Royal Gazette's request for comment on its future plans for the property yesterday.