A multi-million dollar renovation of Whitney Institute Middle School has moved a step closer after a scheme to renovate and rebuild much of it was given planning approval.

Now the question to be decided is where the expected $35 million to make the idea a reality is to be found.

But it is one step at a time as far as Tom Davis is concerned. The chairman of the Whitney Educational Trust said he was “pleasantly surprised” the plans had been given the green light and that it now meant there was one less thing to be concerned about as the school looked to the future.

The school’s landmark clock tower, which contains the library, would remain a focal point for the redeveloped school but most of the other buildings are likely to be rebuilt or at least renovated as the school moves into a new era. As a public school Government would appear the most likely source for funds but Mr. Davis said there are a number of financial avenues which can be explored.

“Having the plans drawn up and approved is one thing; moving ahead and getting it done is another. The discussions with Government are ongoing,” said Mr. Davis.

Whitney Institute will be the last of the five middle schools in Bermuda to be upgraded, according to Troy Livingstone of the planning agents Terceira Quarterly.

The approved plans add 98,094 square feet of floor space, create a new public access road and 77 extra parking spaces.

Renovations are proposed for the gymnasium, cafeteria, administration buildings playing fields and tennis courts. There could also be additional classrooms.

One possible development identified is an area of 50,000 square feet to the north of the school that might be used for a community hall or even an Olympic-sized swimming pool, both options would be a source of revenue to pay at least some of the cost for the overall upgrading of the school on Middle Road.

Mr. Davis said: “How it would be financed is still a matter of discussion and we are considering all options. It would be premature to spell out those options.”

The Trust chairman would like to see the renovations and redevelopment started “fairly soon.” He said: “We have been working on it for a while and there is now a new Education Minister (Neletha Butterfield) and we have to go through that process, but she has been helpful and responsive.

“There is a lot to consider and pull together before we come up with a plan that every one feels comfortable with. At least now we no longer have to worry about getting the planning permission.”