Members of the public are objecting to a new shopping arcade, saying it will be "one of the last nails in the coffin of the charm, the beauty and the heritage of Front Street".

Up to eight people have opposed plans for the new 'Walker Arcade', claiming it will destroy the traditional appearance of the historic main street.

The Historic Buildings Advisory Committee has also expressed concerns to the Department of Planning about the project, proposed by Walker Arcade Co. Ltd. Construction of the arcade will involve the demolition of the Calypso building at 45-47 Front Street and its adjacent building in 12 Reid Street.

The new six-storey retail and office building will be located next to the Bank of Bermuda building currently under construction. It will feature a shopping arcade on the first two floors, set around a central atrium with escalators, planting and seating. The upper four storeys will consist of office space.

In a letter to Planning, Suzannah Hornburg, of Paget, said: "I write to express my horror and great sadness at the proposed destruction of 45 and 47 Front Street buildings. "Permission to carry out this demolition will be one of the last nails in the coffin of the charm, the beauty and the heritage of Front Street."

Pierre Dutoya, of Warwick, said: "Tourists from America do not wish to see a Wall Street on our Front Street; they want to see the beauty and charm of old Bermuda."

Maritza Sequeros, of Southampton, added: "To look across the harbour and see the continuing development of monstrous eyesores is not only distressing but is killing the charm Bermuda is trying so hard to keep."

Hotelier Michael Winfield, of Sandys, wrote: "We have already lost a retail 'icon' in the form of Triminghams which is being converted into a bank, a travesty, I believe for the essential core of Bermuda's unique brand and charm."

He said: "Let's keep Front Street special and, if we must, allow communal office and relation construction further back into Hamilton."

In a report to Planning, the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee said: "The committee feel that as the building has remained virtually intact since it was built in the late 19th century the façade should be preserved if at all possible.

"The committee was informed by the Heritage Officer that this is a Draft Listed Building (Grade Three) but the committee felt that it should be a Grade One Listed Building based on its historical importance as well as architectural qualities.

"The committee further noted that the applicant has not submitted a reasonable explanation for removing the façade."

Architects OBM however, have stated the new building is to be built in the original style of the yellow Calypso building and will have setbacks on upper floors. "The client is proposing a new and modern development. The existing Calypso building is in poor condition and the existing structure requires continuous maintenance," said David O'Beirne of OBM.