A former parks department headquarters on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens is set to be transformed into an art and design centre.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, announced a partnership with Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art yesterday outside the former parks headquarters.

He said: “In 2018, this former Department of Parks headquarters in the Botanical Gardens faced closure due to severe mould issues. It has languished in a state of deterioration ever since.”

Built in the late 1800s, the building is in the heart of the gardens and within walking distance of Masterworks.

Colonel Burch noted that the museum approached the Ministry of Public Works with a proposal to lease and renovate the government asset at no cost to the taxpayer.

“This initiative, which will see the building become a second location for Masterworks in the form of its new art-and-design centre, stems from a shared commitment to preserving our culture and legacy and fostering art and culture,” he said.

“The benefits that Masterworks bring to our community is exemplified by the successful transformation of the former arrowroot factory building. This shows their dedication to repurposing historical spaces to enrich our vibrant cultural heritage.”

Masterworks will be responsible for the property for about two decades.

“It will be for 21 years less a day. And the reason for that is that’s the authority the Minister of Public Works has in order to be able to issue leases without having to go to the legislature, but they will also have an option to renew,” Colonel Burch said.

The design plans for the building were on-site and prepared by Benevides Architects. The plan is to have the centre up and running by 2026.

Risa Hunter, the executive director of Masterworks, spoke at the press conference on the public-private partnership.

“We believe that the renovation of this historical treasure for educational purposes will bring back to life the original entrance to the Botanical Gardens, and I am delighted at the opportunity to partner with minister Burch and our government to enhance our public spaces together,” Ms Hunter said.

“This development of the museum’s second location will be a transformation project that will create a dedicated space for arts education and practice for Bermuda’s community,” she added.

Floor plans indicate multipurpose education rooms, an area for sculpting and painting, and several studio spaces.

A statement noted that “Masterworks will offer classes, lectures, workshops, technical support and studio space for working artists at any level of their career.“

The museum sees the second location as a “creative hub for students, artists and educators”.

Ms Hunter noted that the redevelopment of the building will cost $4.5 million, with the plan for the art and design centre to be “financially self-sustaining”.

To date, Masterworks has raised $1 million and will be begin a public fundraising campaign next year.

• For more information, visit masterworksbermuda.org or call 299-4008