A revised special development order for the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton has crossed the finish line, MPs heard today.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said the SDO, which is subject to Cabinet approval, would be published thereafter in the Official Gazette and made available at the next sitting of Parliament.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, told the House of Assembly: “Construction remains apace, and at this stage, the expectation remains for an opening in the 2026 season.”

Walter Roban, the former Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, announced his approval for an SDO in October 2023, when he had responsibility for the planning department.

The order would pave the way for up to 250 additional tourism and residential units at the site.

The House heard in June 2024 that the order would come into force upon the completion of all matters related to the overarching transaction governing the project.

Last month, executives from the Bermuda Industrial Union examined the hotel’s renovations, reporting that work was progressing steadily.

The union tour came after it was revealed that 179 work permits were issued for the project over the past two years, with 150 Bermudians, spouses of Bermudians or permanent residents involved.

The BIU, which found more than 250 workers at the site, said that “more than 400 skilled individuals have been involved, including more than a dozen Bermudian businesses” since work began.

Chris Furbert, the BIU president, said Bermudians got work opportunities with the principal contractors, as well as being hired by subcontractors.

The hotel closed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the loss of its 593 rooms felt across the tourism and service sectors.

Demolition and site preparation began in January 2024, and renovations began that November, with government and private-sector support including a $75  million sovereign guarantee.

Westend Properties, the owner of the site, noted a year ago that costs for the entire project were estimated at more than $550 million.