Onward and upward for new Hamilton development
Four months after designs for an office development were rejected because the Development Applications Board said the structure was too tall, the project is going ahead as planned.
The 130,000 sq ft, seven-storey Luscar Place at 69 Pitts Bay Road is now scheduled for completion in April 2027. The demolition of the existing structure, the Belvedere Building, has already begun.
In early September, a technical officer in the Planning department noted that policies for the area limited the height of buildings to four storeys, but the DAB had discretion to approve an additional two storeys if they were to be used for tourism or residential use.
Because the upper stories will not be used for these purposes, the plan could not be approved.
The technical officer’s report also said the plans were in breach of policies regulating setbacks from the road.
Within days of The Royal Gazette article on the rejection, Wayne Furbert, then the Minister of the Cabinet Office, overturned that decision.
He wrote to architects Botelho Wood: “The proposed development’s overall character and purpose harmoniously integrate with the context of that area of Pitts Bay Road.”
He also said the design would enhance the area’s vibrancy, and attract businesses, stimulating job creation and economic growth. Construction will start early this year.
Property owner, Princess West Ltd, is a company formed by Mitchell Green Private Trust Company as trustee of the Mitchell Green Family Trust.
The Mitchell Green Private Trust Company agent is Berco Ltd, which is the operating company of the Green family, who own the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.
Rego Sotheby’s International Realty has launched pre-leasing for the property.
Commercial listing agent and Rego Sotheby’s partner, Penny MacIntyre, said there is already great interest in the project due to limited top class inventory available in Hamilton.
She said: “There has not been an all-new commercial office and retail construction of this scale in town for decades.”
“Belvedere will come down, while the existing parking lot and deck shall remain with an additional floor of parking added to the existing deck,” Ms McIntyre said.
This will be the Green family’s biggest commercial project for 2026. Rego Sotheby’s said in recent years they developed Waterloo House, Point House and Dorchester House in Hamilton.
Located to the east of the Bacardi global headquarters, Luscar Place will have a water view and will offer two ground-floor retail units, one of which includes an outdoor patio, and interiors ranging from over 4,000 sq ft to 6,200 sq ft.
The upper floor offices of Luscar Place will be able to accommodate office space needs from 4,200 sq ft to over 24,000 sq ft.
Some floors will have balconies with inland views across the Bacardi property, Pitts Bay Road, with partial views of Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound.
Rego Sotheby’s said Luscar Place is strategically positioned to attract high foot traffic from tenants and the surrounding business district, and would be ideal for pharmacies, and food and beverage establishments.
Luscar Place will incorporate artistic elements, such as a large sculpture in the entrance plaza, and carefully selected artwork in the main lobby.
Opportunities for outdoor murals and other art installations are being explored.
Developer Alexander Green said: “Our vision is to create not just a landmark structure, but a gathering space where design, art, and community coexist, inspiring all who experience Luscar Place.”
• For more on Luscar Place, see Related Media
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