The West End Development Corporation (Wedco) will tear down Victoria and Albert Row next year as part of a plan to build 100 new housing units.

The first stage of the $34 million project is scheduled for completion next spring.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said work on the project has already begun, with groundbreaking expected to take place in the next few weeks.

"This development is being constructed in two phases to avoid displacing any sitting tenants," he said. "Phase one will involve the construction of 40 to 50 units in the property adjacent to Victoria Row.

"Upon completion of these new units, the tenants from Victoria and Albert Row will have the first option to move into these units.

"Phase two will see the existing Victoria and Albert Row demolished to make way for new accommodations that meets today's Planning codes and better utilises the property.

"Wedco is committed to delivering phase one before the end of the first quarter in 2011 and phase two is scheduled to be completed by April 2012."

A special development order in the Official Gazette last month revealed plans for 45 three-bedroom dwellings, 40 two-bedroom dwellings and 15 studio apartments.

The units will be built in the area between Cockburn Road and Cochrane Road on Ireland Island South in Sandys.

Mr. Burgess said they would be pre-engineered and shipped to Dockyard, before being moved to the site.

"These units look and feel like traditional Bermuda housing and have very high efficiency values as they will be a combination of concrete and foam," he said.

"The units also exceed required hurricane standards."

The new buildings will be linked to Wedco's new waste water treatment facility at Dockyard.

"Doing nothing to address the West End housing challenges is not an option," the Minister said.

"Yes, change will concern some, however Wedco is continuing their mandate to develop the West End of the Island into a vibrant community that all Bermudians can be proud of."

Existing tenants at Albert and Victoria Row were informed about the project in June, Mr. Burgess added.

"The Wedco team will continue to make every effort to ensure this transition is as seamless as possible," he said. "However, the success of the overall project will require the cooperation and understanding of both parties."

The current tenants at Albert and Victoria Row will be offered a place in the first new homes built. Rent at the new site will be higher then current rates at Albert and Victoria but still priced below market value, Mr. Burgess said.

"I think we're looking at between $1,600 and $2,100 per month," he said. "It's very seldom that you can find a single bedroom for under $2,000 right now."

The Royal Gazette was able to find a handful of one-bedroom homes available on a quick search of eMoo yesterday. Rents were priced between $1350 and $1950.

Residents of Albert Row yesterday said that they were looking forward to new homes.

Tannea Steede grew up in the area and has lived there for about a year. She said she planned to move into one of the new units when they were complete.

"It looks like it's going to be pretty good. We were all called to a meeting over the summer so they could tell us what they had in mind.

"Some people have complained that their rent would be doubling, but to say this is going to be a upgrade is an understatement."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "They may be more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

"For what we pay here, there's a lot you can do. You can save up a good bit.

"I'm looking forward to it. I always like going to a new place, and this is going to be brand new."

Another resident said he hadn't been told that the existing buildings would be torn down, but he thought it was a good idea.

"These things have had their time," he said. "I think it's a good thing."