Campaigners were yesterday celebrating the relocation of the five-star Jumeirah resort to Morgan's Point following a lengthy battle to save Southlands.

The Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) described the land swap between Government and developers Southlands Ltd. as an "incredible result", and said a celebratory event would now be held to thank the support of members of the public.

The Bermuda National Trust also welcomed the deal, saying the land transfer was "a wonderful example" of a community uniting together to make their voices heard, and of a Government "willing to listen".

Government and developers Southlands Ltd. announced the land swap on Wednesday afternoon, making the relocation of Jumeirah Southlands to the former US Naval Air Station finally official.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown was joined by Acting Environment Minister Derrick Burgess and Craig Christensen, Brian Duperreault and Nelson Hunt of Southlands Ltd. in signing the land transfer document. The deal will transform the neglected, brownfield US baseland into a 900-room luxury resort, with two 'boutique' hotels, a private residence club, a spa, 'marina shopping village' and a PGA-standard 18-hole golf course.

Ownership of the 37-acre Southlands estate was transferred to Government, in exchange for 80 acres of public land at Morgan's Point.

The developers Southlands Ltd. have also agreed a lease on another 130 acres on the Sandys peninsula, on which they will build a championship golf course.

The Premier said it is now "most likely" that Southlands will be turned into a national park. "That is the intention," he said during the announcement on Wednesday.

More than 3,400 people signed a BEST petition to 'Save South Shore' in the battle to preserve Southlands as one of the Island's last remaining areas of open space.

Members of the public joined Warwick residents, environmentalists and conservationists in campaigning against the 311-suite cliffside resort – writing letters, holding roadside protests, organising concerts and even candlelit vigils.

Yesterday, BEST chairman Stuart Hayward said: "As an initial reaction, BEST wishes to commend the former owners of Southlands and the Bermuda Government for listening to the concerns of the people, for reconsidering their initial plans, and for working toward and achieving this incredible result.

"BEST also extends a heartfelt thanks to all members of the public who raised their voices in opposition to the proposed hotel development at Southlands.

"We appreciate them for taking the time and energy to get involved. We extend that appreciation to those who worked quietly in the background. Their support was equally important."

Mr. Hayward added: "We would be honoured to take part in the planning process for the new park and will indicate our willingness in a formal letter of thanks which we are drafting to Premier Dr. Brown. Meanwhile, we will announce a suitable celebratory event in due course."

Bermuda National Trust President, Bill Holmes, said the Trust was also looking forward to receiving more details about the national park.

"We look forward to receiving more information and details about the swap and hope to receive confirmation soon that the 37-acre Southlands estate will be turned into a public park for everyone in Bermuda to use and enjoy," he said.

"We wish to commend the decision by Government to regenerate part of Bermuda's largest brownfield area, and to congratulate all those who expressed their concerns, either by attending the public meetings, involving themselves in the planning process, or by writing to the decision makers; in doing so, you assured that the community's voice was heard.

"It is once again a wonderful example of people banding together to express their concerns, and of a Government and developers willing to listen."

Governor of Bermuda, Sir Richard Gozney, also welcomed the announcement.

Speaking as a resident, and not in his official role, he told The Royal Gazette: "I was heartened to read in your newspaper the Premier's formal indication about the swapping of land between Southlands and Morgan's Point.

"Having moved around the Island, I have seen Southlands, and from the water I have seen Morgan's Point.

"I could sympathise with the effort to get that shifted to Morgan's Point.

"I'm glad, as a local resident, and for the people in Warwick. I could see that that was an issue in their lives. That's been resolved; that's good."