building on Front Street into a six floor upmarket office building.

The existing building, which houses Bananas Gift Shop and jewellery store Walker Christopher on the ground floor, was sold to development company Park Place about three months ago. Architect Mr. Bruce Barker became aware of the property and negotiated the purchase.

Park Place's directors are Mr. Sjur Linberg, Mr. Barker and Appleby, Spurling and Kempe partner Mr. Richard Spurling.

The building was sold by Harold Hayes Frith Ltd. to the newly incorporated Park Place.

If the proposed 40,000 square foot building receives planning approval and if a tenant can be found, Barker and Linberg will start construction of four additional floors on February 1. Mr.

Linberg said the top floor may be designed as an executive suite.

The ideal tenant would rent the whole commercial premise and make it their corporate headquarters in Bermuda, according to Mr. Linberg.

"We are talking to some interested parties and hope to negotiate with one of these groups,'' he said. "It's a good location, near the Bank of Bermuda and close to the heart of Hamilton's financial centre. The offices will command fantastic views of the harbour on all sides.

"The building has looked rather tired and dejected, although sited in a fine location. It will have a traditional appearance that is fitting for Hamilton and Front Street,'' he said.

"We will install state of the art service facilities, such as the latest telecommunications, air-conditioning, energy efficient lighting, insulated windows and all the computer requirements.

"There is no doubt that there has been an increase in demand for high quality office space. We are seeing a period of increased demand for commercial property as Bermuda is attracting worldwide attention particularly as the domicile for many new companies. It is certainly most needed after more than two years of recession,'' he said.

The ambitious plan is now before the Development Applications Board. The architects plan a new office entrance on Par-la-Ville Road and the addition of two elevators, a new service block and an additional fire escape stairway. The existing balcony encompassing the building will remain and balconies will be built on to the exterior of the upper floors.

"The balcony is a vital component as it creates the right Bermudian aesthetic for Front Street,'' said Mr. Linberg.

The building is expected to be painted pale yellow.

"We would like to work with the tenant and fashion the building according to their needs.

"It may be possible to make a pedestrian connection from the building into Par-la-Ville Park. The building, at the first floor level, overlaps the park on the east side by 50 feet,'' said Mr. Linberg.

The present retail tenants will remain in the building. The Harold Hayes Frith building was built in 1954 as an apartment building.

FOUR NEW FLOORS -- An artist's impression shows how Barker & Linberg plan to add four new floors and balconies to the Harold Hayes Frith building on the corner of Front Street and Par-la-Ville Road.