The Bermuda Housing Corporation yesterday announced plans for a new high-rise project on Perimeter Lane in Pembroke.

BHC deputy chairman David Burch said the project, which will provide 38 rental apartments, has the highest priority for the Corporation and Board approval was secured last week.

He said: ?We have approved the concept, now we will go back to the architect who will come up with a figure.?

Benevides and Associates have been selected as the architects for the project and Lt. Col. Burch said the number of apartments may increase or decrease from 38.

?It has the highest priority for the Corporation but there are a number of obstacles outside of our control,? he said.

?We have to get on an architect?s schedule, then get through the hurdle of Planning, then through the bidding process.

?It will be the wish of the Board to break ground before the end of the year, but it?s probably a little unrealistic.?

The BHC also revealed yesterday that work has started on a new project to build eight units ? six, two-bedroom and two, three-bedroom units ? at Butterfield Lane in Sandys. These will join the four units BHC has already erected on the property.

The $1.5 million project will be ready by May next year.

BHC general manager Vance Campbell said the cost per square foot is $170 to $180, which is significantly below the market rate.

?We are starting to obtain some excellent prices and quotes on the work we are putting to tender,? Mr. Campbell said.

BHC has bought a strip of land to widen Butterfield Lane so it meets width requirements for emergency vehicles.

Management of the Corporation have also been having discussions with some of the smaller local contractors with a view to entering into arrangements with them to provide affordable housing, said Lt. Col. Burch.

Recently Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent said there were plans for a new high-rise apartment block planned for Hamilton but Lt. Col. Burch said there had been no further news.

?We await with great anticipation for Cabinet approval and, following that, we expect to move quite rapidly in breaking ground,? he said.

?Conceptually it is planned to build 70 units for rent at affordable prices.?

He said the New Park development on Glebe Road of 14, one-bedroom condos is progressing well ? three applicants have already been approved for mortgage financing through BHC and the project remains on target for a December, 2004, completion date.

Lt. Col. Burch said the refurbishment of BHC-owned houses at Southside is progressing well, with 11 of the 15 roofs at Southside completed, but foul weather was delaying work. He said the roofs should be completed by the first week of November.

The Corporation is also in the early stage of discussions regarding a long-term lease on the Arcadia property at Slippery Hill, St. George?s, said Lt. Col. Burch.

The listed building, which contains three apartments, suffered considerable damage in 2003 during Hurricane Fabian and had to be vacated.

Mr. Campbell added: ?We will see the rejuvenation of that property.?

There has been a slight increase in the number of applicants on the BHC housing list from 273 last month to 281 this month. Of this number 74 are emergency cases and 207 are on the regular list.

Lt Col. Burch said: ?We are actively pursuing with our Minister, the commissioning of a comprehensive study of housing needs in this community to assist in better planning to meet the actual need.?