People have given a mixed reaction to plans to build a seven-storey building on the site of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

The RBYC has been in its current spot on Albouy's Point in Hamilton for 75 years, however the owners have now submitted an application to the Department of Planning for the property's redevelopment.

Though the future of the building is not yet certain, it could possibly be used to house new office space and tourist accommodation, the application stated.

Yesterday The Royal Gazette talked to lunchtime visitors at Albouy's Point and Barrs Bay Park who all gave varying opinions on the building's redevelopment.

Sai Swan, 34, manager at Gibbons Company, said that as long as the building keeps its traditional appearance he doesn't have a problem with the expansion.

He said: "It's their property, so as long as it keeps within the traditional Bermudian look it's fine simply because it's going to be in a prominent location where everybody coming into Hamilton can look at it."

He continued: "Hamilton has lost a lot of its character for tourists as well as locals. It's not the same, it's far too busy, too many cars, it's cosmopolitan, it's not that quaint little city anymore. However, a nice blend of business and leisure can still be achieved, if they strike the right mix and balance."

Vanessa Bean, 22, an interior design summer intern at OBM Architecture Firm, disagreed with having a seven-storey building on the waterfront. She said: "First of all I don't think they should put a seven-storey building there. I think it has a lot of character in itself.

"The waterfront should reflect Bermuda tranquility and we should preserve as much of the traditional architecture that makes Bermuda unique."

However, Pembroke resident John Gardener, 56, believed it was inevitable and estimated that within the next ten years the whole of Front Street would be transformed.

He told The Royal Gazette: "The whole of Front Street will be changed in the next few years, it will be a shame to see the smaller buildings go."

Mr. Gardener continued: "I have never really considered a building that large on the waterfront, but if it is getting towards the end of its useful life then they are going to have to do something to replace it."

While most people were concerned about the aesthetic look of the building, environmental group Greenrock had more specific concerns about redevelopment on the Island.

Greenrock President, Andrew Vaucrosson, said: "Right now there is an unprecedented amount of building that is going on in Bermuda.

"At the same time, Government is in the midst of updating the 1992 development plan, which should have been updated in 1998, which provides guidance to the depth of planning, plus the City of Hamilton's 1999 Development Plan is also out of date."

He posed the question: "Are developers submitting their plans into Planning Department now to avoid changes that will occur in these Development Plans?"

Greenrock, is a registered Bermuda charity focused on sustainable development; they work with the public and private sector in order to create sustainable solutions for the environment.

He continued: "As far as environmental impact, the marina for RBYC exists and most of Hamilton's harbour front is artificial landfill anyways.

"The key issue is how is this building going to be built on a landfill site? Examine the drainage issue for the new HSBC and Orbis Fund Buildings on Front Street.

"How will it affect the wind tunnel at the junction of Front Street and Par-La-Ville? Right now the wind tunnel is so strong it can knock you off your bike or rip out a traffic light pole."