A partner is being sought by the Government to help restore and enhance Montpelier, the former official residence of the Deputy Governor.

A request for proposals, published on the government procurement website this week, said that the renovation project would involve a “comprehensive upgrade and expansion” of the Devonshire home to improve “functionality, comfort and long-term value”.

It explained: “The scope includes the construction of a new upper level, the addition of a new garage and roadway and the refurbishment of key interior spaces, including the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.”

The RFP added that revitalising the rooms would include “updated finishes, improved layouts, modern fixtures and upgraded building systems where required”.

It said: “The goal is to preserve the character of the home while delivering a refreshed, contemporary living environment.”

Any contractor interested in making a submission must do so before 3pm on June 2, with a site visit scheduled to take place on May 12.

Plans for the project, approved in February, included the addition of a car garage building on the eastern portion of the property, a kitchenette and bathroom on the northern portion of the house and a covered veranda on the western side of the building.

Documents included in the application said that the creation of a garage would improve convenience for “important officials’ quick access to and from their vehicles” and improve security by allowing better monitoring and control of vehicles entering and leaving the property.

The proposal also originally included the creation of a swimming pool but the Historic Building Advisory Committee strongly objected to that aspect of the plan, stating it would render the Grade III-listed property unrecognisable.

The Bermuda National Trust also objected to several aspects of the original plan including the pool, but after several revisions to the proposal, the BNT agreed to withdraw its objection providing that several conditions were met.

A technical officer noted that the proposed works were “ancillary” to the listed building and had been kept to a “practical minimum”

The officer noted in a report: “The Department of Planning recognises that a balance must be found with attempting to preserve historic buildings while also allowing them to be functional in present day.

“In this proposal the department believes this to be the case and as such recommends approval.”

Montpelier was built in the late 18th century and later housed senior officers from the British military.

It was purchased by the Government in the 1950s and adopted as the official home of the Colonial Secretary, a position which later became the Deputy Governor.

However, the property has sat empty since 2018 and its state of disrepair prompted campaigners to call on the Government to either renovate the building or sell it.

Late last year, a petition was launched by the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation to encourage the Government to reopen the use of Montpelier to public consultation as the charity sought a new permanent home.