Par-La-Ville office building clears hurdle

Developers have been granted in-principle planning permission to construct a six- storey, 70,000-square-foot office building on a Par-La-Ville Road parking lot.

The Development Applications Board (DAB) granted approval to the State House Trust to build a new mixed use office and commercial building at 7 Par-la-Ville Road and 68 Serpentine Road. Public art will hang over the sidewalk, however, the DAB said it must not interfere with pedestrians. A shortcut around a parking lot behind the Par-La-Ville building will be preserved and an outdoor cafe area may be built. However, it said the developers should consult with the Corporation of Hamilton on the design of the public/private sidewalk area, prior to applications for final planning approval.

New dock needed for Biostation vessel

The Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) has sought planning permission to modify an existing dock and slipway to accommodate a larger research vessel at its Ferry Reach research station.

BBSR director Tony Knap said this week a new dock was needed for a new 168-foot ship being bought in Florida.

“We are going to purchase it and operate it here,” Dr. Knap said. “It will stay out longer, cater to more people, go out in rougher weather and contain more machines and instruments.” He said it would be possible to operate the new unnamed ship at the existing dock, however, other BBSR programmes would suffer.

Restaurant added to office building

The Island's first “green” building will include a three-storey restaurant.

The DAB approved Purvis Limited's revisions to the approved plans for a six-storey residential building at 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton, to include a three-storey restaurant as well as a office building. It also approved a revisions to the south and west elevations of Victoria Place which will adhere to special environmentally friendly guidelines.