American developers are interested in transforming the closed Club Med hotel in St. George's into what is believed to be a retirement home for the elderly, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Architect Victor Davies from Victoria, British Columbia, will arrive in Bermuda on Friday and is hoping to meet Tourism Minister David Allen to discuss the project.

Mr. Davies refused to disclose details about his plans yesterday, but in a letter to Mr. Allen, obtained by The Royal Gazette, he states: “This proposal will not include trying to reinvent a hotel or cottage colony type of development on the site.

“We would offer something completely new to all Bermudans (sic) which would extend their quality of life through later years, an option which, at present, is unavailable in Bermuda in this form.”

The chances of success would appear to be slim, because Mr. Allen has consistently said he wants to see Club Med, which has been closed since 1988, knocked down and a new smaller hotel built in its place.

Last December it was revealed that plans by Malaysian company Aman Capital to redevelop the site had effectively collapsed because they did not meet Government specifications, and that Mr. Allen was looking for alternative proposals.

Mr. Davies, of Victoria-based Vic Davies Architect Ltd, says in his letter, that he represents a “formidable US investment/development group,” although he would not reveal the identity of his clients yesterday. Speaking from Canada yesterday, he told The Royal Gazette: “We don't think the hotel works, it is too far away from the beaten track.

“People have tried it before and it just doesn't work. It would appear there hasn't been much enthusiasm and my clients are interested in talking to the Minister about this.”

When asked for details of the project, he said it was not a health resort, but he was reluctant to discuss it until he found out if could arrange a meeting with Mr. Allen.

“I'd rather keep it under my hat at the moment, but it is something that has been developed in the US and Canada over the years and it would be a welcome addition for Bermudians particularly.”

Mr. Davies stated in his letter that he will be in Bermuda for just over a week and is keen to meet Mr. Allen and his staff to discuss the plans.

The Aman Capital proposals collapsed because the developers did not wish to demolish the hotel, but intended to raise the height of the building.

Mr. Allen said Kuala Lumpur-based Aman Capital also wanted to use open space at the site to build housing.