The Government has denied claims by an opposition MP that it lacks a plan to manage public buildings under its remit.

Jaché Adams, the public works minister, said programmes pursued by the Bermuda Housing Corporation were tackling the island’s housing challenges.

He said: “It is a misnomer to believe that the Government is holding properties without a plan.

“The Government takes the island’s housing challenges very seriously and has established an entire ministry to address these matters.”

It came after Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister of Housing and Municipalities, expressed disappointment on Monday that the former Bishop Spencer School was not being repurposed for housing.

He suggested that the building on The Glebe Road in Pembroke could house a transitional living facility, emergency housing or a seniors home.

In October 2020, the Ministry of Public Works invited expressions of interest to renovate the property.

At the time, Michael Weeks, who was Minister of Social Development and Sports, said the Government was following up on a promise made before the 2012 General Election.

Under recent proposals submitted by the construction company On-site Engineering Services, the facility would house retail and office space as well as a workshop, a warehouse and dormitories for up to 12 staff.

On Monday, Mr Fahy said that while he was happy for businessman E.R. Burrows, who is reported to be behind the proposal, he found it “beyond strange” that the disused building was being leased to a private business given the overwhelming need for housing.

Mr Fahy claimed it was unlikely that the proposed dormitories would go to Bermudian workers.

Mr Adams said the ministry was advised that the units included in the application were for the employees of the proposed developer.

He said: “Additional units can assist with easing the burden within the residential sector, either by freeing up existing rental units currently occupied by those prospective employees or by reducing the competition in an already limited market.

“As the saying goes, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’— and so any addition to the housing market, in whatever form, provides a positive impact.”

On Monday, Mr Fahy said that he had written about Bishop Spencer for the Bermuda Sun in 2008, calling for it to be converted into emergency housing.

He said during his tenure as Minister of Home Affairs during the One Bermuda Alliance Government, he made headway on the issue, working on a solution with the Ministry of Public Works and the Salvation Army in 2014.

Several factors including internal government processes requiring a request for proposals for management over the new facility, a lack of government funding and running costs, which the Salvation Army could not take on at the time, scuppered the project.

Mr Adams said the Government’s intention was to assist the Salvation Army to lease the building for social housing.

He added: “Unfortunately, after conducting a preliminary assessment, the Salvation Army advised the ministry that they will not be proceeding forward.

“Recognising the importance of housing, the ministry, in turn, carried out work at the current Salvation Army site to refurbish their present units.”

The charity had reported that the former school and its environs were too big for its needs, while repairs and operational costs would have been beyond its budget.

Looking ahead, Mr Adams said plans were afoot by the BHC to complete multiple housing projects between May this year and June 2026.

Among the projects, which fall under the Government’s residential building programme, is the completion of 12 units at Harmony Terrace East in Paget in May or June this year, with all units already allocated.

This year the BHC will kick-start works at Middle Town apartments in Pembroke, where four housing units are expected to be completed by December.

The BHC plans to complete work on a housing project at Battery Road, St David’s, where 12 units are to be completed by February 2026.

The corporation expects to complete works on five rental units at Chelsea Apartments on Redcoat Lane North in St George’s by March next year.

The BHC also plans to start works on 16 rental units at Harmony North by June 2026.

Mr Adams said additional housing programmes included the Homestart programme, through which three families will be able to own their first homes through the mortgage programme.

He said a private sector refurbishment programme, launched on April 10, has 24 private sector units signed up for renovation.

Work has begun on two units, and further renovations will proceed as leases are finalised and contractors confirmed.

Mr Adams added: “We know people are hurting. We hear you, and we’re doing the work.

“Every project, every unit, every partnership is about making sure more Bermudians can afford to live here. We are not slowing down.”