The Institute of Bermuda Architects has written to the Mayor of Hamilton expressing concern over the potential eviction of the Bermuda Society of Arts from City Hall.

Last week the Corporation of Hamilton granted the BSoA a six month reprieve, extending its gallery lease from June until January 1, 2009, while it searches for "an amicable resolution".

The Corporation says it needs the gallery for office space but the eviction notice — handed over in December — outraged politicians, artists and residents of Bermuda. The public backlash included calls for the Corporation to be overhauled altogether, with Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler threatening legislation to amend its "outdated" rules and ordinances.

Last Thursday, the Corporation announced it would extend the BSoA's lease until January, but the temporary reprieve still leaves a question mark over whether the Island's oldest arts group will continue to have a home next year. It has been in residence at City Hall for 47 years.

This week it emerged that the Island's body for professional architects has also protested to Mayor Sutherland Madeiros about the situation.

In a letter to Mr. Madeiros, it writes: "The Institute of Bermuda Architects council views with great concern the Corporation of Hamilton's proposed eviction of the Bermuda Society of Arts from their established home within City Hall, and we wish to lend our collective voice to the general appeal that this decision be reconsidered.

"The BSoA is recognised as a founding member of what has developed into a flourishing local arts community, and a proposal to banish it to an uncertain future elsewhere would be regressive and in our view contrary to the interests of Hamilton as Bermuda's cultural centre."

Arguing the BSoA provides "a much-needed central forum to showcase local artistic talent", the Institute also says "there can be little doubt that the cultural heart of the City lies within its City Hall".

It says of the building: "Its architecture proclaims it as a destination, a site where events take place, and for many years it served as one of a very few places where formal art exhibitions were housed.

"The city fathers, led by Sir Gilbert Cooper, were indeed visionary in including an art gallery and theatre in the original design of City Hall. From both an architectural and urban design perspective there is an overwhelming justification for the continued use of City Hall to house the Bermuda Society of Arts.

"It is the view of this council that City Hall should continue as the natural home of the Bermuda Society of Arts and to this end we would urge the members of the Corporation to take a broader view of their role as the city's elected representatives.

"Whilst the orderly execution of the day-to-day activities of the city is essential to its continued success as a business jurisdiction, a visible and meaningful support of the arts is also vital to ensuring the spiritual well-being of its inhabitants.

"As representatives of the architectural community, we consider ourselves a kindred organisation and our plea is in recognition of the substantial contribution made by the BSoA over many years to the Arts in Bermuda."

Meanwhile, Mayor Mr. Madeiros has remained uncommitted to a new design for the Corporation which could solve its problem of office space. S.h.y. Architecture proposes constructing a new civic hall and office building on the western car park, set around an outdoor public square.

The new buildings would provide an administrative function, and also meeting halls and chambers for both the Corporation and Government. A third structure would provide commercial office and retail space, with the rents contributing to the cost of the development. In the place of the western car park, three underground levels would provide parking for 450 cars.

S.h.y Architecture say their vision - featured in The Royal Gazette on Wednesday - would enable City Hall itself to "become a fully contained cultural arts entity". Simon Hodgson, senior architect, said discussions with the Corporation were "ongoing", but Mr. Madeiros said yesterday: "The Corporation currently has no plans to leave City Hall."

He said: "We always welcome fresh ideas for the future development of the City of Hamilton, and the Corporation has received various submissions for development on City Hall Car Park.

"The design on City Hall Car Park which was printed in The Royal Gazette is one such submission, it was not initiated by the Corporation. The Corporation currently has no plans to leave City Hall and will continue to work with the Bermuda Society of Arts to address the space issues."