Another two multi-storey office blocks have been given the go-ahead in Hamilton.

The Somers Building in Front Street is to be turned into a five-storey office and retail complex, while the site of the Quickie Lickie Laundromat will house a six-floor office building.

Laundromat owner Walter Cross — the man behind the project — is as yet unsure as to whether the Quickie Lickie will continue. He has told The Royal Gazette: "I don't think I'm going to demolish it but we will see how things progress."

The building, at 74 Serpentine Road, will cover 5,762 sq ft and include two basement levels with offices and mechanical rooms, plus mechanical plant in the roof space.

In granting Planning permission, the Development Applications Board reserves final approval of design and appearance, landscaping, parking and access. The Board said: "The proposed development complies with the City of Hamilton Plan."

At the Somers Building in Front Street, Planning approval has been granted for a five-storey office and retail building plus basement. The project originally outlined six storeys but the maximum allowed is five.

Currently, Bermuda Wines and Spirits is on the site.

Developers scaled down the plans after "concerns" from the Department of Planning, Historic Buildings Advisory Committee and the Advisory Architectural Panel.

There were however no other objections, as the development will retain the Somers Building facade and have upper storey setbacks. The Development Applications Board concluded: "The proposed renovation and addition generally complies with all relevant provisions in the City of Hamilton Plan 2001."

The complex will cover 7,320 sq ft and contain retail outlets on the ground floor with offices on the upper four levels. The basement will be used for storage and mechanical rooms.

Meanwhile, the Paragon Trust wants to expand a residential and office complex at 44 Serpentine Road. It has applied for re-approval of change of use status from residential to office/commercial, as the approval dating back to February 2001 has now lapsed. Developers are hoping to expand the office space from 2,400 sq fit to 11,059 sq ft.