The Stonehaven Development Condominium Hotel will change the character of one corner of Hamilton forever.

If final Planning approval is granted, the ten-storey hotel will raze the lively retail hub at the corner of Court Street and Reid Street.

Affected tenants will include clothing boutiques, a tattoo parlour, a key-cutting shop and even a 'metaphysical book shop'.

The condo hotel site covers the Canadian Hotel building, shops at 77 and 79 Court Street, and units at 61, 63, 65, 67 and 69 Reid Street.

The block features 'Diva Wear and More Boutique', 'Nature Aromas', 'Serenity Tattoo', 'Revelation Clothing Boutique', 'Sole Fine Footwear', 'Keez Nail Salon', 'Bermuda Decorative Hardware', 'Healthy and Cool Indoor Air Quality Control', 'Quality Dry Cleaners', 'Computer Zone', 'Professional Video Services' and 'Smith and Associates Holistic Services'.

Yesterday, retailers expressed sadness at the SDO and their potential relocation, but most were resigned to the hotel development.

Marilyn Ratteray, counter clerk at 'Quality Dry Cleaners' said: "That's sad news. It may change the character of the neighbourhood, and with the traffic and all, it's going to be awful. We'll have to find another place, but we will find one."

Audrey Whitter, proprietor of 'Diva Wear and More Boutique', said: "I'm happy for Mr. (Thomas) Powell. He's been a great landlord. I've known for a while that we may have to move eventually so it's not a big deal. I guess it's progress and growth, and we all have to do it."

Rick Meens, owner of 'Bermuda Decorative Hardware', said: "It's been expected, but I think it's a good thing for Mr. Powell to get this site developed. I also think it's a good thing for the community.

"I've no idea where we'll move to but we're actually looking at places now."

Ricardo Small, manager of 'Healthy and Cool Indoor Air Quality Control' added: "We were told this might happen so it's no problem for me. I'm sure God will take care of me.

"I guess it's the way the world is going. Personally I think it can only be positive for the area."

But Mark Hall, owner of 'Serenity Tattoo' parlour, said the rise in rent with having to eventually relocate could put him out of business.

"I guess I'm out of business," he said. "Mr. Powell told me it was going to happen, but I don't know where I will move to.

"I've been open a year but have been renting the place for three years. I can't go downtown as it's too expensive — the rent is $5,000-$6,000 a month there and my shop don't pull that kind of income. Here I'm paying $750, so that's a good rent.

"Bermuda is not a country for small businesses. It's all about condos now."

Mr. Hall added: "This will affect the neighbourhood, but money talks — that's what it's all about in Bermuda these days, and Government is not worried about small businesses."