A new all-suite resort has been given Planning approval to go ahead on Ireland Island.

The hotel is planned for former British Navy buildings on Cockburn Road and the developer hopes to have it open for business by the middle of this year's high season.

Architect Harold Conyers of Conyers and Associates told The Royal Gazette the intent is to open `The Cottage' aspect of the Cottage Inn by July 2002.

Development of the property is intended to take place in three phases and the hotel will eventually offer eight suites in a a boutique-style resort with a spa and food and bar services on site.

The Cottage in is being developed by Henry Hewes of Gerard and Hewes in New York.

West End Development Corporation (Wedco) which controls the former baselands in the west end asked that Planning change the zoning from "military" to "tourism", to accommodate the development and approval was granted February 15.

The buildings were some of the last turned over to Government when the British Navy pulled out of the Island in 1995, The Royal Gazette was told.

"The intent of the developer is to create a boutique style, all suite resort with food and beverage service," Harold Conyers of Conyers & Associates wrote on behalf of the developer and Wedco.

"The waterfront locations are chosen as they are a major draw for tourists and these properties were selected due to their internal use and configuration being 90 percent consistent with the developer's vision of their target market's needs."

The new hotel would take advantage of existing 6,261 square foot structures at the 61,420 square foot lot on Ireland's Island.

The property is right on the south coast which three buildings located on three small points.

Phase II of the development will see the renovation of the Prince Albert Terrace building.

At present that building is being rented as residential units.

The final phase of the project will be the conversion of the neighbouring Malabar building to a spa facility for the hotel.