Southlands submissions to be reviewed by Parks Commission
A thorough review will be carried out by the Parks Commission of submissions received in response to a draft management plan for Southlands, the Government said today.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment thanked everyone who shared their perspectives.
A spokesman said: “In response to the high level of public interest, the deadline was extended to ensure that as many residents as possible had the opportunity to participate.
“With the consultation now closed, the Parks Commission will begin a thorough review of all submissions received.
“This independent analysis is a critical step in the process and the commission will carefully consider every contribution before finalising its recommendations.”
An executive summary to the draft plan explained: “With the acquisition of the Southlands property following the land swap with Morgan’s Point in 2012, the Government of Bermuda acquired 37 acres of priceless open space in Warwick Parish, comprising beach front, quarry gardens, fountains, residences, gardens, agricultural fields, woodlands and rare tree collections.
“Southlands Park provides an opportunity to restore a critical, ecologically sensitive area to a unique park destination, amenity space and environmental education centre for the island’s residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The Bermuda National Parks Act mandates for a management plan within five years of an area being declared protected under the legislation.
Southlands secured the status in 2017.
The draft management plan said that its goal was to “outline the objectives and proposals for improvements, and to provide guidance on how to preserve, protect and enhance Southlands for the enjoyment of present and future generations”.
Specific aims were said to include the promotion of the park as a premier environmental destination as well as the development of work that would enhance and protect its woodlands and quarry garden collections.
Objectives were also said to include “the development of initiatives for special events and recreation” and “the establishment of criteria for the reuse, maintenance and management of the buildings”.
Educational components were also highlighted for development as well as “the exploration of revenue generating potential” for the park.
Planning applications submitted for Southlands 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 public works and environment ministry spokesman said today: “For clarity, the draft management plan is separate and unrelated to any proposals for commercial development at Southlands.
“Proposals concerning potential commercial activity remain under review by the Department of Planning through its own statutory process.
“These are two distinct processes and the conclusion of the draft management plan consultation does not affect or determine the outcome of the Department of Planning’s consideration of development applications.”
He added: “The ministry acknowledges that Southlands — once privately held and inaccessible to the wider community — now presents an opportunity for residents to establish a new relationship with this now public space.
“The Parks Commission’s review will reflect this reality by giving full and careful consideration to all submissions received.”
• To see the draft management plan in full, see Related Media
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