Work advances on derelict buildings paper
A consultation paper looking at ways to bring derelict buildings back to life is expected to be published in the coming weeks, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities told the House of Assembly.
Zane DeSilva updated MPs on the island-wide issue as he spoke about housing rehabilitation and repurposing.
The minister said that “too many” buildings with housing potential remained unoccupied.
“This initiative has required thoughtful consideration because the issues involved are both complex and sensitive,” Mr DeSilva said.
“While there is broad recognition that derelict properties should, wherever possible, be returned to productive use, the Government is equally mindful that questions relating to property rights and land acquisition must be approached fairly, responsibly and with appropriate sensitivity.”
Any proposals would balance expanding housing opportunities with the rights of property owners, MPs heard.
Mr DeSilva said: “Our objective is not to create conflict. Our objective is to create opportunity.
“The Government also recognises that it cannot solve Bermuda’s housing challenges alone.
“Success will require partnerships with property owners, developers, charitable organisations, community groups, financial institutions and the private sector more broadly.
“It is for this reason that the proposed derelict buildings initiative and the ministry's private sector refurbishment programme are intended to complement one another.
“Even a modest increase in the number of derelict and vacant properties brought back into use could make a meaningful contribution to Bermuda's housing stock.”
Mr DeSilva added: “When people think about expanding Bermuda's housing stock, they often think exclusively about new construction.
“New construction remains critical and will continue to form an important part of our approach to addressing Bermuda’s housing challenges.
“However, some of our greatest opportunities already exist around us.
“They exist in homes that can be rehabilitated. They exist in properties that can be restored. They exist in buildings that can be repurposed to meet modern needs.
“For that reason, the ministry has placed increasing emphasis on ensuring that existing housing assets and underutilised properties are not overlooked as we work to increase housing opportunities for Bermudians.”
Offering an update on projects across the island, Mr DeSilva said five homes at the Chelsea Apartments in St George’s are expected to be delivered this month.
Meanwhile, work continues at 18 Battery Road, in St George’s, Harmony Terrace North, in Paget, as well as at 9 King Street, 13 Middle Town, Swanston Apartments and 45 Elliott Street, all in Pembroke.
Additional rehabilitation works are also progressing at Gulfstream Transitional Living and Langley Rooming House, both St George’s.
The minister added that the Government was supporting the preservation of affordable seniors’ housing through strategic partnerships and partnering with private property owners to return vacant and underutilised units to productive use.
He also touched on Channel House in St David’s, which is set to be transformed into a transitional healthcare facility.
Robin Tucker, the Shadow Minister of Youth and Family Services, questioned whether any additional vacant government buildings had been identified to supplement the housing stock.
Mr DeSilva said: “We are looking at all properties in Bermuda.”
He added that information on any additional buildings earmarked for redevelopment would be announced in “due course”.
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
