An arts education charity has set out the events that led to its request to be housed in a government-owned building after reported confusion in the community over the matter.

The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation must move out of its location on Jubilee Road by June and hopes to take up residence in Montpelier, a government property — the designated home of the deputy governor — next to the Arboretum in Devonshire.

However, the Government toldThe Royal Gazette this month that the charity had a site viewing of “a government facility” and that the organisation said the premises were not suitable for its needs.

Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts, the founder and director of Kaleidoscope, noted that some members of the community had contacted her to say they were confused by information in the article.

She wanted to make clear that the property to which the Government referred was not Montpelier, as some may have assumed, but a separate location in Southlands in Warwick.

It was noted within the article that the Government had not specified whether the property to which it referred was Montpelier.

Ms Rodriguez-Roberts said this week: “The Government has stated that ‘the first engagement was a site viewing of a government facility’.

“This is correct but the Government’s comments, reported in The Royal Gazette on December 11, in fact referred to Southlands and not Montpelier.

“Following our walk-through at Southlands, we carefully considered the buildings.

“While one option might have worked if we significantly reduced our offerings or paired it with a second site, restrictions such as not being able to install fencing and the lack of outdoor suitability meant the property did not meet our needs.”

Asked for clarification, a public works and environment ministry spokesman later said: “Recognising the needs outlined for the organisation’s programmes, Kaleidoscope was shown a property in Southlands, which they turned down.

“The use of Prospect Primary School was also suggested, but that opportunity was lost …

“Montpelier was never offered, and the organisation has been repeatedly advised that Montpelier is being renovated for its official government use.

“There have been no changes in the required and intended use of Montpelier.

“Public viewing of the planning permit application was given through the normal planning and building control processes, which invited some objections, as per norm, but mainly regarding the addition of a pool.

“Planning and building permits remain pending owing to revisions to the planned renovation.”

Montpelier is a Grade III-listed structure that is in disrepair after sitting empty since 2018.

A petition launched by the charity encouraged the Government to reopen the potential use of Montpelier for public consultation “so that it can be used, not to benefit just one family but many, and to keep the arts alive and accessible to all in Bermuda”.

It had almost 750 signatures in favour of the Government reconsidering its use for Kaleidoscope by yesterday afternoon.

Ms Rodriguez-Roberts said: “Today, Montpelier remains vacant, and we believe it offers the ideal environment for Bermuda’s children and families.

“The property is centrally located, adjacent to the Arboretum but independent of it, with a generous plot of land that includes planted areas yet remains open enough for expansion.

“It provides sufficient parking, square footage for classrooms and outdoor space for fruit trees, gardens and creative exploration.

“Montpelier ticks nearly every box for Kaleidoscope’s needs and offers the environment required to sustain and grow our mission: empowering Bermuda’s children through art, nature and creativity.

“We would welcome the opportunity to meet in person with the Government to discuss this possibility.”