Plans to build a new resort catering to seniors' needs had the backing of the late Health Minister Nelson Bascome, according to the people behind the scheme.

The Bentley Development Group wants to build a $120 million retirement village catering for both able-bodied and acute care seniors.

If planning is approved, the village will consist of 150 villas plus a theatre, shops and restaurants, spa, pool, tennis courts, recreational centre, ampitheatre, chapel, meeting rooms, health clinic and medical rooms.

Group CEO Thaddeus Hollis revealed yesterday that Mr. Bascome had been involved in talks about the project before his death last year. He said the group approached Government in 2008 and met with Mr. Bascome.

"In a series of meetings with Minister Bascome from late 2008 to the beginning of the first quarter of 2009, a series of presentations were made to the Minister," he said.

"The Minister at first dismissed the concept as 'another old folks home', then as he listened to the paradigm that was being introduced, he saw the benefits to health and understood the applications of wellness and saw how this would provide the means of providing longevity as well as healthy living for seniors, greatly reducing medical costs."

He continued: "He was enthusiastic about this new paradigm in senior living, to the extent that he agreed to meet with Bentley and their partners in July, 2009 in Washington DC, to move the project forward."

Mr. Hollis said Mr. Bascome was insistent that for the village to move forward it had to provide training for Bermudians and be accessible to Bermudians. Mr. Bascome also made it clear that the group's overseas partners should not draw on the revenue without participating in the equity.

"Minister Bascome met with Bentley's partners and received these assurances and as a result, was pleased to give his blessing that evening at a dinner to the Bentley Development Group," said Mr. Hollis. "It was unfortunate that it was on this trip that Minister Bascome became ill and passed away."

The group is thought to be looking at two possible sites, one of which is believed to be Ireland Island South. If planning permission is received it is estimated construction would take about 26 months.