A paving an “beautification” project will begin tomorrow in the area of the Bermuda marquee sign on Front Street, the City of Hamilton said this afternoon.

It added that the Bermuda Tourism Authority will start to dismantle the container building that houses the BTA visitor centre on February 14.

The city said that the area around the marquee sign, which it described as a beloved landmark and one of the most photographed spots in Hamilton, will be enhanced.

It added: “This paving and beautification project will create a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that the Bermuda marquee sign continues to be a world-class photo opportunity for both visitors and locals.”

The work will include installation of pavers to replace existing slab, enhanced drainage systems to prevent water pooling after heavy rain and tree planting.

The city said: “As part of this project, the bike parking bays in this area of Front Street will be temporarily inaccessible beginning February 6, to ensure public safety during construction.

“Alternate bike parking will be provided in the neighbouring Number 1 car park.

“The paving works, which will be carried out by Brown & Company landscapers, are expected to take approximately nine to ten weeks to complete.”

The sign was installed in 2023 as part of the Vivid Public Art Initiative.

The city explained: “The paving and drainage upgrades had been factored into the original design of the Bermuda marquee sign.

“However, the project was rescheduled to accommodate new legislation requiring a revised stormwater system design.

“The updated paving will now not only meet new regulations but will also allow for potential future expansions, including a possible harbourfront boardwalk connection.

“The 2,356 sq ft area will be carefully transformed, with the existing lighting — installed in anticipation of this upgrade — already in place to illuminate the sign beautifully at night.”

Jessica Astwood, the City’s director of marketing and communications, added: “The Bermuda marquee sign was conceptualised to honour Bermuda's rich culture and heritage while instilling a sense of pride among residents.

“The upcoming paving and landscaping enhancements will further enhance this iconic site, establishing it as a premier destination for both visitors and locals.”

The City advised that in the same area of Front Street, the BTA will begin dismantling the visitor centre structure — made from shipping containers — from February 14.

It added: “Once cleared, the site will be returned to the City of Hamilton and repurposed as a public amenity space, further enhancing the waterfront area.

“This project will also require restricted public access to certain areas for safety purposes, inclusive of bike parking bays.”

The City said it appreciated patience from the public while both of the projects were completed.

BTA operations at the Visitor Services Centre in Hamilton were expected to cease at the end of last year after a decision by the Development Applications Board limited an extension to continue use of the temporary structure to February 16, 2025.

Erin Smith, the quango’s chief operations officer, told The Royal Gazette last June that a new site for the Hamilton VSC was not yet secured.

She added then: “The plan for BTA visitor services in Hamilton from January 1, 2025, will be determined in the coming months.”

The Gazette asked the BTA this week if an alternative location for visitor services in the city were secured but there was no response by the time of publication.