Plans have been submitted for two new office blocks in Hamilton, one of which is seven storeys high.

Both applications are situated towards the ‘back of town’, where the growing number of cranes testify to an ongoing construction boom.

In recent months, there have been several planning applications for office and apartment buildings, some reaching seven storeys — the maximum height for buildings under the City of Hamilton 2001 Plan. The 2001 Plan is currently under review to relax restrictions on high rise development — something Hamilton mayor Sutherland Madeiros welcomes in the north of the city.

Mr. Madeiros said last night: “The revision of the Plan involves the public and also the Minister for Planning.

“We are moving ahead on it but it’s a long process. North Hamilton would be an area where we would encourage taller buildings. There’s lots of opportunity there to build. However, we don’t want to built these buildings for the sake of building them, but if they meet the demand for more office space and residential apartments.

“There are occasions where Special Development Orders are given and we believe so far in Hamilton they have been handled in a proper manner.”

The most recent planning applications to go before the Development Applications Board are situated in Brunswick Street and Serpentine Road.

Citadel Properties, based at law offices Trott and Duncan, has applied for a seven floor commercial and residential building at 20 Brunswick Street. The proposal would mean the demolition of the existing offices, housed in the two storey traditional Bermudian stone Meridian House. The new office block would cover 6,125 sq ft and has been designed by architects Botelho Wood.

Germano Botelho was unavailable for comment yesterday but a letter with the application states: “The proposed structure will be occupied partly by Trott and Duncan and the remaining floors leased to office and residential tenants.”

In Serpentine Road, the owners of the Quickie Lickie Laundromat have applied for permission for a five storey commercial and office block, with an upper sixth floor set back. The building would cover 5,762 sq ft and include two basements.

Last night owner Walter Cross said he was “not sure” whether the project would mean the demolition of the laundromat.

“I don’t think I’m going to demolish it but we will see how things progress,” said Mr. Cross.

In an accompanying letter with the application, architects Cooper and Gardner state: “The project’s objective is to deliver excellent quality work space in an open plan configuration.”

The Development Applications Board last month approved a six storey office building in Court Street. It is also considering a five storey condominium block at the corner of Court and Angle Street, to be named ZoCoLo.

The soaring skyline is not just restricted to offices and apartments. Government has granted a Special Development Order for the nine storey Ritz Carlton hotel in Par-la-Ville Road, and in February, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield approved an eight storey office block and gym in Wesley Street.

A survey by The Royal Gazette in April found there were ten multi-storey Hamilton buildings either under construction or in the planning stages. Three of these had six storeys; four had seven; two had eight; and one had ten.

The National Trust is not opposed to development in the city but has urged caution.

Environmental conservation officer Dorcas Roberts said: “The Bermuda National Trust is not blindly opposed to going higher within the city and fully understands the potential benefits this could have. Increased residential development within the city could help to regenerate it and minimise traffic congestion by allowing city residents to walk to work.

“But we are also aware of the negative impacts such development could have on sensitive areas of the city and on the qualities that make Hamilton Bermudian.

“If, following assessment and consultation, it is decided the city can support ‘high rise’ buildings, it is essential the Department of

Planning identifies areas where these buildings would be permissible and the heights that should be allowed. More importantly, areas where such buildings would not be suitable must be identified. It requires a conscious effort to preserve areas representative of Bermuda’s character and image.”