Work to assess the condition of Sessions House has begun in advance of plans to restore the historical building.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment said furniture and equipment has been removed, and further work at the site will enable the project team to determine the scope of repairs.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “Sessions House is one of Bermuda’s most recognisable buildings.

“We are taking the time to understand its condition so that we can restore it properly and ensure it continues to serve Bermuda for generations to come.”

The project is intended to preserve the character of Sessions House while improving accessibility and facilities to support its future parliamentary use.

The full restoration is expected to take several years, but a spokeswoman said that the ministry will look for opportunities to bring completed areas back into use while restoration continues elsewhere.

She said the public can expect to see activity at Sessions House in the coming months, including further preparatory work and attention to the roof.

She added: “The House Chamber and clock tower are among the significant features being considered as plans develop.”

Sessions House, a Grade 1-listed building, dates back to about 1819 and has 17,188 sq ft of floor space on two levels.

It was used by the House of Assembly for meetings since 1826 but the building was plagued by maintenance problems including faulty plumbing and leaks.

Plans to refurbish the building were announced in 2018 and were initially expected to be completed in one year with Veritas Place serving as the temporary home of the House of Assembly.

However, last month Mr Adams said restoration could take four years once demolition works are completed.

A sum of $1.7 million has been allocated towards parliamentary building refurbishment for the 2026-27 fiscal year, almost double the $900,000 set aside for the project last year.