Plans to build a new St Regis hotel in St George’s — which would boost tourism and provide jobs — have been approved.

The development, which will overlook Gates Bay, will feature a 122-key resort with 97 hotel rooms and 25 suites, as well as a casino, restaurant, bar, golf clubhouse and other amenities.

The first phase of the project would also include two residential buildings, containing 28 condominiums. Later phases would include another three residential complexes.

A technical officer presented a report backing the project to the Development Applications Board. He noted that while the project would have some negative impacts, these were considered to be low and could be mitigated by approval conditions.

“The proposed development provides significant economic opportunity to the town of St George,” the report stated. “Since the closure of the former hotel in this location, and the subsequent loss of dedicated cruise ships to St George’s, this area of the island has seen a decline in employment levels and business growth.

“The hotel development represents a significant investment in the tourism industry and will provide employment opportunities in the construction, tourism and commercial business sectors.

“The development has been sensitively designed in accordance with the historic features of the area and will ultimately lead to a raised profile of the World Heritage Site status of St George on a global scale.”

According to the minutes of the December 15 meeting of the DAB, members raised several questions about the project, including its beachside location.

“The board queried the developer’s choice to place the hotel adjacent to the beach,” the minutes stated.

“The technical officer confirmed that developers have designed the siting of the hotel building in accordance with the tourism market demand in that guests favour beachside locations.

“The technical officer reiterated that storm surge concerns were addressed by raising the grade of the land to accommodate the development.

Asked if the site has received a casino licence, the technical officer stated: “It was confirmed in response that they will have the ability to apply for a licence when certain legislation has been passed in Bermuda.

“Further, it forms part of the preferred package of the proposed hotel operator.”

The technical officer also confirmed that the casino space could be used as a ballroom as an alternative.

Public access to the beach — an early area of concern related to the project — was also broached in the meeting, with the board questioning where the public would park.

The technical officer responded that while legislation did not require the developer to provide public parking, it would be provided on site within one of the formal parking areas.

The board resolved to approve the application with some conditions, although several elements for the project, such as the golf course, a spa within Fort Albert and pier refurbishments, would be the subject of further applications.