A new four-storey office block, planned to replace derelict buildings on East Broadway, is closer to reality after receiving approval in principle from the Development Applications Board last week.

Wilkinson Estate Limited plans to convert a 13,460 square foot, waterfront lot with wharf and seawall to offices for up to 120 people.

The building would be housed on two lots - 14 and 20 Crow Lane. One lot oncehoused a cycle shop while the other has been derelict since the 1960s when it was a retail coffee shop. The yard has been used for repair and maintenance of marine craft in recent years.

Due to East Broadway busy rush hour traffic issues, the DAB expressed concern about sight line visibility from the exits and suggested the sidewalk may need to be extended.

According to plans submitted, Bermuda Caribbean Engineering Consultants (BCEC) conducted a traffic study to predict the impact the office block would have at "the gateway to the city".

The study was carried out last September and found that 3,276 vehicles pass in front of the site heading into Hamilton between 7.45 and 9.45 a.m. with peak traffic passing between 8 and 8.15 a.m.

Only 1,583 vehicles travel in the other direction. And some 3,065 vehicles pass the site in the evenings. However, the study concluded traffic would be minimally affected.

"After more than 30 years of having to view derelict buildings, the public will now have the opportunity to view an elegant and attractive building, embodying all the elements of the Bermuda Image," agent Delores Beraldo wrote.