Convenience store and pharmacy planned for St David’s
A grocery store, pharmacy and ATM have been proposed to cater to residents in the East End, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities announced on Thursday.
Zane DeSilva, who is also the Deputy Premier, said the project, planned for Marginal Wharf in St David’s, would be carried out by Southside Holdings and the Bermuda Land Management Corporation.
The proposal was said to fulfil two objectives — the securing of significant private sector investment in the East End and the delivery of services called for by area residents for many years.
Mr DeSilva said: “The proposal includes a convenience store, pharmacy services and ATM facilities alongside its commercial operations.
“It demonstrates how private sector investment and community priorities can work together to create lasting benefits for residents, businesses and the wider community.
“This proposal reflects a strong vote of confidence in the future of St David’s and the East End.
“It will support employment during construction, contribute to long-term economic activity and help deliver services and amenities that residents have identified as priorities.”
Mr DeSilva said the project came about after Southside Holdings, which falls within the Bermuda General Agency family of businesses, approached the BLMC about its plan to consolidate warehousing operations for the wider BGA group.
The proposal comes more than a decade after the closure in 2012 of the nearby White’s supermarket, just off Southside Road.
Mr DeSilva said that the building was being used for archival services and proved to be “a lot smaller” for what Southside Holdings needed.
He added that the space would include a convenience store and be served by a warehouse.
Mr DeSilva said the amenities had been a longstanding request from area residents, especially the senior population.
He said: “What we are announcing is more than just a development project — it is about delivering on priorities that the people of St David’s have been consistently identifying for years.”
The proposal remained subject to planning, legislative and regulatory approvals, Mr DeSilva said. He added that community engagement would continue, with the project expected to open in 2029.
He said: “At its core, this initiative came together because three things aligned — a community that clearly articulated its needs, a landowner committed to a long-term vision for St David’s, and a private sector partner willing to invest in both its business operations and the wider community.”
Mr DeSilva said he had yet to decide on whether he would run for deputy leader for the Progressive Labour Party, but would come to a decision “soon”.
He spoke ahead of a deputy leadership discussion reserved for PLP members, which would also include Tinée Furbert, Lawrence Scott and Michael Weeks.
Asked if the public should be privy to the discussion, as the deputy leader would also take on the role of deputy premier, Mr DeSilva said the election was still internal.
He added: “If you want to participate, become a member.
“You’ll find out October 28, just like how I will.”
The cut-off date for the PLP deputy leadership sign-up is October 6.
Wendall Brown, of Southside Holdings, said the plan had been seven years in the making, and thanked the BLMC for its help.
He said the warehouse was expected to bring in about 70 to 80 jobs, while the supermarket would offer an additional 40 positions.
The grocery store will be run by Cahow Ltd, a holding company owned by Mr Brown.
Mr Brown added that the space would rely on renewable energy, saying: “We are currently investigating the renewable energy technology that, if proven successful, could have a major impact on Bermuda’s energy needs for the future.”
He said: “This new warehouse facility will consolidate our operations, improve efficiency, strengthen service quality, and generate cost savings that will ultimately benefit consumers.”
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