An iconic resort undergoing renovations represents a “hive of activity” as demolition work is mostly complete and construction is under way, its owners said today.

Chris Maybury, a representative of Westend Properties, noted that “substantial and measurable progress” has been made at the Fairmont Southampton, which is expected to reopen to guests this summer.

He said: “Demolition is now largely complete and the project has fully transitioned into the construction phase, with new facilities, modernised infrastructure and upgraded guest experiences taking shape across the property.”

Mr Maybury added: “The entire Fairmont property is a hive of activity and the revitalised resort is beginning to take shape.”

A spokesman said: “At the main hotel, the exterior envelope required extensive repairs including removing and replacing a significant portion of the concrete and stucco.

“All steel superstructure is intact and all of the balcony railings have been demolished and will be replaced.”

Roofing is complete in the north wing and work has begun on the resort’s west wing and ballroom roofs.

The spokesman added: “Demolition has been completed in the majority of the 593 guest rooms, including the removal of tubs, bathroom walls, stone vanities, carpet, vinyl wall covering and lighting.

“Framing, drywall, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is ongoing in the guest rooms.”

Items such as carpets, desks and bed frames are being delivered to the property, replacement of air-handling units continues and grease traps for the main kitchen and Wickets restaurant have also been replaced.

The spokesman said: “The Jasmine Bar has been rebuilt and mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is progressing.

“Work on refurbishing the mezzanine, meeting rooms, Poinciana Ballroom, restaurants, and bars and elevators has all progressed significantly in the last several months.”

Walls at the resort’s ballrooms, pre-function areas, meeting rooms and corridors are ready to be painted, and decorative lighting and floor tiles are to be installed.

The spokesman added: “At the Ocean Club, all new interior and exterior walls have been framed.

“The existing roofing system has been repaired and new framing installed where required with the Bermuda roof boarding installation complete.”

Painting at the Ocean Club has begun and the facility’s interior is being prepared for new finishes and kitchen equipment.

Work continues at the resort’s Beach Club, with the final concrete pour for the resort-style pool expected to be completed by the end of this month and exterior finishes to new changing huts, restrooms and storage set for completion in February.

Mr Maybury said: “With the significant progress we continue to make across the property, we remain on track to welcome guests back to the Fairmont Southampton later this summer.”

The Fairmont Southampton opened its doors as the Southampton Princess in 1972 and was acquired by Gencom, a Miami-based investment firm, when the company purchased Westend Properties in 2019.

The resort has been closed since 2020, redevelopment work began in early 2024, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place on the property later that year.

Walter Roban, the former Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, approved a special development order to build up to 250 units on the property in 2023.

The statutory instrument was published in the Official Gazette in November, but two One Bermuda Alliance MPs have since called for more details about how the redevelopment would affect Southampton residents.

A government spokesman responded by saying the SDO only grants permission in principle and does not replace the planning process.

He explained: “Each phase of development must still be the subject of a separate final planning application.

“Those applications will be published publicly in accordance with the Development and Planning Act, allowing residents and other interested parties to make representations.”