An ambitious revitalisation of Shelly Bay Plaza would "complement“ the existing MarketPlace structure with a combination of traditional and modern design elements, a letter submitted to planning officials said.

Under proposals lodged with the Department of Planning, the footprint of the unit in Hamilton Parish would increase by almost 14,000 sq ft.

A letter from Onsite Engineering Services Ltd, written in support of the application and published online, said: “The proposed development includes an extension of 13,225 sq ft along the north façade, a new 211 sq ft electrical room on the east side and two new containerised refrigeration rack rooms totalling 320 sq ft on the west side.

“These additions complement the existing 31,153 sq ft MarketPlace structure, revitalising the Shelly Bay Plaza with a mix of traditional and modern design along with community-focused elements and amenities.

“In total, the proposal results in a coverage area of 44,909sq ft.”

It added: “At the access level, the extension will feature a pharmacy on the east side with its own entrance, as well as a new food service kitchen on the west side to support the grocery store’s food preparation area, hot food takeaway, café, dining and produce section.

“On the second level, the extension will feature staff facilities and a multi-purpose function room for community use.

“In the redesigned parking area, the proposal retains the existing 1,374 sq ft building used as a laundry facility.

“The parking area will offer 109 vehicle spaces, including four designated for persons with disabilities, along with ten electric vehicle charging stations and an additional 45 bike spaces, thereby ensuring safe pedestrian access to the main store.”

The letter said that the application, dated last Thursday, sought an “intensification” of the existing use of the MarketPlace building, changing it from retail only to mixed, covering the various operations intended to be included in the expanded facility.

It noted that the proposed works were “appropriate for the site’s commercial context in Shelly Bay Plaza”.

The letter added: “The maximum building height does not exceed four storeys.

“The proposed extension of the building consists of two storeys, with a maximum height of 32ft 8in.”

Consideration was also given to how the expanded facility would fit in with its surroundings.

The letter said: “The proposal is designed to enhance and be compatible with the character of the Shelly Bay area.

“While it is a commercial building with flat roofs, it incorporates elements of traditional and modern Bermudian architecture, such as the addition of traditional shutters on the windows, pastel colouring and the use of characteristic vegetation.

“The design also considers the community by providing spaces where people can shop, dine, or host events in the multi-purpose room on the second level, offering the community a type of space that is scarce in this part of the island.”

According to the plans, the expanded unit will include restroom facilities on both the ground floor and the second level.

The letter said: “The proposed parking layout has been improved with better signage, pedestrian access to the building, bollards, an area for shopping carts, new lighting, appropriate parking spaces and an optimised functional design.

“Additional spaces have been allocated for disabled individuals close to the entrance, as well as EV charging stations.”