A contractor hired by the Government to undertake a housing development for seniors in Southampton said he is confident in the “technologically advanced” nature of the project design.

Mark Maloney, executive chairman of the Barbadian-based Maloney Group, parent company of Preconco Ltd, said the “design-build” company promises a “durable” Dr Cann Park II housing project completed under strict specifications.

He spoke at the commissioning ceremony of the development project at Sea Express Lane today.

Land has been cleared for the project, which is being funded by the Bermuda Commercial Bank through a financing commitment of $50 million to the Bermuda Land Management Corporation.

Mr Maloney said the homes, built by Preconco, will be manufactured in Barbados in a method that offers “real advantages to Bermuda, faster construction that gets homes to families sooner” and resilience to hurricanes.

Mr Maloney told The Royal Gazette: “We are designing the foundation and structures and manufacturing them and bringing them over by ship

“We spend a lot of time on the design, using amazing technologically advanced systems.

“Architecture is where it starts and then you’re doing the structural engineering, mechanical, plumbing and everything else is taken into consideration.”

He said the building will then be broken up into panels and assembled so that the process on the ground follows “a good flow”.

Mr Maloney added: “The whole project is going to be shipped and then the building goes up and everything is quality checked.

“You do not get a more durable precast project. It is seamless transition from foundations to structures going up.”

Mr Maloney said the construction method has been applied successfully across the Caribbean and beyond, with the company committed to bringing the “same reliability and attention to detail here”.

He said specifications were ongoing and an “exact schedule” was being worked out.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said the project will provide 134 new residential units, mainly for seniors.

He hailed the financing commitment made by the BCB.

Mr DeSilva added: “This commitment demonstrates a major step forward and reflects confidence in a project that will help address one of Bermuda’s most pressing needs: housing.

“Secure financing is one of the most important milestones in any development. It demonstrates that the project is progressing from concept to delivery, and it provides a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

The project site has been cleared and the technical work necessary to verify site conditions and support the final engineering and design process is under way.

“These important preparatory activities help ensure that the development proceeds efficiently and in a manner that best serves future residents,” he added.

Mr DeSilva said the precast design “represents a departure from traditional building methods commonly used in Bermuda and offers the potential for greater efficiency, cost savings, consistency and speed of delivery”.

He said the construction method is not new to Bermuda, adding that it was used in the construction of Victoria Place.

“It is important that we remain open to proven technologies that can help us build smarter and deliver homes more quickly,” he added.

The units will be leased to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which will in turn rent them to qualified individuals and families from its waiting list.

Mr DeSilva, who said his goal is to produce 200 homes in the next 12 to 18 months, predicted the project will have a “huge impact”.

“Before the end of the year, we will make another announcement or two — homes will built in this country quickly and we will make sure we get it done.”

Andy Mielczarek, BCB chairman, said funding was part of a $150 million sum provided by the bank for affordable housing.

“We love that we are able to support these projects,” he added.