The Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) is likely to be allowed to stay at City Hall for at least another 25 years, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Ed Benevides told this newspaper yesterday that in all likelihood the organisation – which was given six months to vacate City Hall last January before being given a reprieve until the start of this month – would be granted an extended lease, along with the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG).

He said a new lease for BSoA was being negotiated which would bring it into line with BNG's, which is due for renewal in 2013. The contract will safeguard the society's gallery space for at least another four years.

But long before it runs out, the Corporation is likely to be "minded to give them another 25 years", according to Mr. Benevides.

"I can see that happening," he said. "We are working on that right now. There is no issue with them having to move out."

He explained that BNG's contract beyond 2013 was already being looked at and that both organisations could expect to be allowed to stay for another 25 years.

BSoA president Jean Gardner said: "That's news to all of us. It's very positive. It's obviously very, very good news but this is the first that the Bermuda Society of Arts has heard of it. It's wonderful and it would be interesting to know if the Bermuda National Gallery was aware of this as well."

BNG chairman Gary Phillips said: "This is the first time I'm hearing that they are looking favourably at extending the lease.

"It is good news to hear that the Corporation is giving serious consideration to extending the lease of the National Gallery, which expires in 2013. We look forward to working with them on the details of that lease."

A storm of protest greeted the news last January that BSoA had been given an eviction notice after almost 50 years as a Corporation tenant. The municipality claimed it needed the gallery space in City Hall for offices but quickly changed its mind in the face of fierce opposition from artists and others in the community, including prominent politicians former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and Culture Minister Dale Butler.

The society was given a verbal assurance that it could stay until January 1 this year while an "amicable solution" was worked on.

The Royal Gazette reported last August that a new lease to enable it to stay on at City Hall was still being hammered out.

Ms Gardner said yesterday she last heard from Mr. Benevides in November when he e-mailed to say that it was the Corporation's intention to have the BSoA and BNG leases run concurrently.

Mr. Benevides, whose six-month contract as Secretary runs out later this month, told this newspaper: "This year we will have everything in place because the BNG contract will be completed and everyone will know what's going on with the two properties."