Developers of a proposed five-storey office and retail complex on the corner of Queen and Front Streets yesterday stressed their plans take into account the historic and aesthetic value of the site.

If approved the new five storey building would offer valuable office and retail store space in the heart of Hamilton.

The plans involve four properties, which are owned by Pembroke Stores, an old Bermuda company belonging to the Cox and Zuill families.

Smugglers Reef on Front Street, the Bermuda Bookstore, Treasure Chest and Flying Colours on Queen Street would be demolished to allow the erection of the new building.

Plans from the development were placed with the Department of Planning last week for in-principle approval.

Although five stories high, spokespeople for the developers Robert Zuill and Tana Tucker explained that special attention to retaining the traditional Bermuda architectural design and feel have been of paramount importance.

"The building has been arranged so that it still appears to be a number of separate buildings, thus keeping the traditional Front and Queen Street look,'' Ms Tucker said.

The design involves a "stepped back'' method of adding stories, which helps to minimise the change to the existing Front Street skyline.

"We have taken into account the changes to the buildings over the years and have attempted to restore some of the old features,'' Ms Tucker continued.

"The plans have also taken into account the millennium fountain and have incorporated the park (Par-La-Ville) into the building.

"Following a great deal of discussion, it was felt that a glass rear to the building would blend into the park and that the reflection of sky and trees, with bird friendly glass, would enhance the park.'' Ms Tucker noted that owners of the current properties have been active in local conservation work and are well known Bermuda historians and are "passionate that any new structure would be a place current and future generations would be proud to possess.

"The owners have the option to re-build or sell the site.

"The option of selling the site is attractive, however, the shareholders want to maintain control over the new structure and are concerned a future owner would not have the same consideration for the history of the site and the aesthetics of Hamilton.'' Mr. Zuill and Ms Tucker explained that the buildings are close to being structurally unsound, with damp rot, rusting steel support beams and asbestos.

"The buildings cosmetically look in good repair, but they are not suitable for the modern retail outlet or the local international business person,'' Mr.

Zuill said. "They are archaic in their wiring and plumbing and some were not designed for wiring at all.'' Ms Tucker said, "If we tried to refurbish, with rusting steel supports and massive rotting, the work to replace this would compromise the actual structures and the costs to carry out the work needed would become prohibitive.'' Stepping up: An artist's impression of the planned office and retail site on the croner of Queen and Front Streets, showing the "stepped up'' building method.