Construction at the St Regis hotel project in St George’s has continued to progress.

Developer Hotelco Bermuda Holding Ltd said yesterday that 55 workers are employed at the site and 70 per cent are Bermudians.

Crisson Construction completed piling work at the site last week with foundation work now under way.

Project manager Juan Cordova said: “This is a stage of every development where progress is hard to see because it is mostly under the ground and out of sight. However, this completion was critical. Real, hard and professional work has been done here.”

Miguel Purroy, principal of Hotelco, added the company was committed to the project.

Mr Purroy said: “We have decided not to build staff housing on the site. Instead, we will rent idle properties and we will buy in the local stores and we will celebrate all that St George’s does for this community.

“Day-to-day life in the Olde Towne will certainly be championed in what we say and do.”

Mr Purroy added: “We have enjoyed great support from the community and from the Government.

“It makes us very confident when we realise everyone on the island is enthusiastic about this development. They want us to succeed.”

Laura Purroy, general manager of Hotelco, said the developer had focused their first efforts on the construction of the hotel, with work on residences to follow.

Ms Purroy added: “It is the policy of St Regis and of Marriott International that no branded residences can be occupied and lived in until the hotel is fully operational.

“Also, from a commercial and marketing point of view, this sequencing of hotel first and then residences makes complete sense.”

The first phase of the project will include the 120-room hotel and amenities including two infinity pools, a spa, a children’s club and two restaurants.

Two condominiums are also included in the first phase of the project, with 15 residences apiece.

Ms Purroy said: “We are proud to bring one of the most renowned high-end luxury hotel brands in the world here to Bermuda.

“The St Regis brand will contribute greatly to enhancing Bermuda’s well-deserved reputation as a high-end, celebrated tourist destination.”

She added: “We are developing in one of the most beautiful sites in Bermuda, situated in a World Heritage setting. This is a winning combination.”