Renovation works at the Fairmont Southampton are proceeding well, according to the developer, with a number of construction jobs advertised.

Westend Properties Ltd, the owner of the resort, said in a statement that work at the hotel was proceeding as planned, with interior demolition works having begun in advance of an “extensive overhaul” of the building’s interior.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “The initial shipments of containers of construction materials and equipment have arrived and additional containers will be delivered shortly.

“Local contractors have been engaged for the replacement of the HVAC systems and other major mechanical improvements.

“Unfortunately, the delivery of scaffolding and swing stages has been unavoidably delayed, but we expect they will be installed around the exterior of the building in December as we prepare for the next steps in the renovation.”

The spokeswoman added that employment advertisements had been posted for a number of positions, including “masons, painters and carpenters”.

Meanwhile, hiring for the Waterlot Inn has also begun, with the restaurant expected to welcome back customers this coming December 4.

“Construction crews continue to work on the renovation, breathing new life into the historic venue through upgraded finishes while retaining much of its authentic charm,” the spokeswoman said.

“When construction is complete in the coming weeks, the operations team will begin the final preparations for the restaurant’s reopening, including working with the new executive chef on updated menu items that will feature a combination of novel offerings and past favourites.”

Alessandro Colantonio, chief investment officer at Gencom, the managing company of Westend Properties, said the firm was pleased with the progress being made at the property.

She added: “As we forge ahead, we look forward to reaching important milestones on the journey to reopening this iconic property, including the upcoming official groundbreaking ceremony.”

The hotel and beach resort was closed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, but plans followed to restore the 593-room hotel with extensive renovations.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, announced last year — when he had responsibility for the planning department — his approval for a Special Development Order that would pave the way for up to 250 tourism and residential units at the property.

The developers sought permission to create 159 tourism and 91 residential units in new buildings of two to four storeys at the resort site.

It noted in September this year that costs for the entire Fairmont Southampton project were estimated at more than $550 million.