Online consultation closes on Southlands plan
Hundreds of people answered the call to share their thoughts on the future of Southlands as part of an online consultation period.
While the majority of the more than 400 comments posted on forum.gov.bm urged against developments in the Warwick park, some supported works on the site.
Planning applications already submitted for the park include a café and a zip-line attraction, along with the modification of existing structures at the site to create a residential apartment and an office for the Mirrors Programme.
The online consultation was launched last month and was scheduled to close yesterday.
The bulk of the posts called for the park to be kept as an open, natural space.
Some suggested minor works to improve and maintain its walking trails or restore buildings on the site.
Sasha Simmons wrote: “I want to see Southlands improved and kept as an open space that Bermuda can be proud of. The existing cottages and main house should all be fixed up and rented at market rents to assist with the upkeep of the property.
“Having ridden on zip-lines in other parts of the world, I have no issue with the activity being developed as a tourist attraction as it has little impact on the infrastructure as long as it is well controlled and developed in keeping with the nature of the existing park the idea of a zip-line trail is to enjoy the quiet nature and bird life one may see.”
However, Diana Martin wrote that the island was not big enough to support a zip-line attraction but suggested that the site could be used for an assisted living or hospice facility.
She also suggested having schools and charities “adopt” arable spaces and gardens in the park.
Almost 700 people have signed an online petition urging the Government to halt development in the Southlands national park.
The Change.org petition, launched last month by Peyton Raynor, said the park was a “sanctuary of biodiversity and natural beauty”, which was now being threatened by proposed developments.
“The ongoing expansion has already led to significant habitat loss, endangering native and endemic species that rely on this ecosystem to survive,” the petition said.
“It has also introduced safety risks for beachgoers, woodland cyclists and hikers who frequent the area. If development continues, it will further degrade nesting grounds for longtails, accelerate coastal erosion and destabilise cliffs already known for their dangerous undercuts.
“Southlands means a great deal to many Bermudians. For some it is a refuge and a physical representation of the island's natural beauty, for others it is a safe space and source of family-friendly fun.
“Whether you're a tourist or a local, Southlands is a core part of the island.”
As of yesterday afternoon, a total of 693 people had signed the petition to “immediately halt” all development on the Warwick park.
Dinah Sinnock, meanwhile, wrote: “It is one of the few places that is still natural to the island so do not take away from that with café, shops, parking lots.
“The beach quite often disappears so not really appropriate for commercial use. We need to retain open spaces for future generations to enjoy and this is definitely one that shouldn't be messed around with and spoilt just to make money.”
Sean Birdwell wrote in support of the zip-line proposal and said that he would sponsor team-building exercises for his US-based company if it went ahead.
“For Bermuda to realise the monetary benefits of having such an attraction on the island, Bermudians will need to let go of fear-based biases that hinder economic advancement,” he said.
“Like it or not, Bermuda competes with other hotspots of tourism and needs a zip-line park to tip the financial scales to their benefit.”
Keren Lomas, however, said she was dead set against the zip-line proposal and maintained that no part of the park should be used for commercial activities — although an area could be carved out for agriculture.
“I am not opposed to the renovation of a building on the lot with a view to creating a living museum or other historical, educational, environmental or biological displays for the enjoyment of all visitors,” she said.
“I would like to see the walking trails maintained, special trees identified visibly but nothing, no activity in the park, that invites hordes of people. The park must remain a space for quiet reflection.”
Lawrence Scott, the MP for Warwick South East, wrote that he had heard “significant concerns” from members of the community, urging collaboration to find solutions.
“Over the past six weeks, numerous residents have voiced their apprehensions about the scale and scope of the proposed projects, which they believe could have detrimental impacts on our community’s environment, safety and character,” Mr Scott said.
“Their concerns are well founded, supported by detailed analyses and previous experiences and I believe that with proactive engagement, we can find mutually agreeable solutions that respect both developmental aspirations and community values.”
Mr Scott added that residents had shared concerns that the proposed café would threaten the viability of restaurants in the area, while the creation of new parking spaces would have harmful impacts on the environment.
He suggested relocating the parking lot to either the field and cul-de-sac inside Southlands or to the brownfield site east of Bermudiana Beach to address some of the concerns.
Mr Scott also suggested hosting a dedicated town hall meeting to allow the public to be further engaged in shaping the final plans.
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