Change is in the air at the Mermaid Beach Club. Approval in principal has been granted for owner Brian Alkon to convert a number of Mermaid's existing hotel units into ten two-bedroom private residential condominiums.

The scheme initially ran aground last summer when the Development Application Board ruled it was not satisfied that "the environment, character, and quality'' of the Warwick facility would be unharmed by the physical characteristics of the conversion.

The DAB also questioned how the project would affect residential and tourist areas of the property, specifically with respect to shared use of beachfront and pool facilities.

Mr. Alkon appealed the DAB's ruling, arguing that Mermaid's "viability as a hotel'' was at risk and pointing out 53 units would remain as tourist accommodation.

He was backed in his appeal by the Ministry of Tourism, which wrote to Environment Minister Pam Gordon arguing: "It may be preferable to permit a licenced hotel to operate on a mixed use basis than not to operate at all.'' With Mr. Alkon's appeal now successful, Mermaid is set to kick off phase one of the project -- introducing The Breakers, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominiums with all amenities.

"We are about to become a private beach club, a four or five-star facility with private beach, health spa and tennis courts. Two of the condos have already been sold.'' Mr. Alkon told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

The Breakers also boasts access to all hotel amenities such as pool, restaurant, laundry facilities, and year-round maintenance.

Handling the sale of The Breakers is local realty company Jones Waddington.