A proposal to create a career development programme at Bermuda College has been given the green light by the planning department.

The application proposed the construction of an additional floor on top of the Hallett Hall Testing Centre Annex.

The expansion was designed to house a computer lab and create a home for the Department of Professional and Career Education.

A report by a planning official said: “The development will provide space to accommodate 46 students with a supporting faculty of 13 people, not inclusive of seats for break out spaces in the classroom, computer lab/innovation lab and the adjacent room, which totals 17 seats.

“Outside the mentioned Pace administration, there will be seats for six visitors.”

The inspector’s report added that the expansion would not change the footprint of the building and the parking already available was sufficient.

The report said that the new rooms would not have large windows that overlooked nearby homes, ensuring that privacy was maintained.

The inspector supported the application, which she said was a matter of national interest.

She added: “The applicant’s needs have been fulfilled and potential issues which impacts the neighbouring properties have been factored in and as such, the expansion will have no adverse impact on the neighbouring properties or from any public vantage point.”

The project was approved by Victoria Pereira, the Director of Planning last Friday.

The new Career Development Centre was announced in October last year.

Athene Holding Ltd, its reinsurance subsidiary Athene Life Re, Athora Holding Ltd, Aspen Insurance Holdings and Catalina Holdings announced they would support the project with a $3.5 million donation.

Duranda Greene, the Bermuda College president, said the donation was a “historic investment” in the college and the country.

Dr Greene added: “Students and users of the centre will be immersed in vital business trends, such as fintech, the ’internet of things’, machine-learning activities and more, using cutting-edge technology.

“We are deeply grateful for the largesse of our donors and are especially indebted to the remarkable work of the Bermuda College Foundation on behalf of the college and its students.”

Construction is expected to begin early this year and is targeted to be completed in time for the autumn term.