Reinsurance firm plans to build nine-storey Front Street offices
Design plans for a new nine-storey, state-of-the-art commercial building on Front Street with “international-calibre office space“ have been released.
The Royal Gazette requested an update on progress after running an initial story in March revealing the plan to build office and retail space from the ground up at 91 Front Street.
The building, which runs the full length of Chancery Lane up to Reid Street, will house the global headquarters for Brookfield Reinsurance and each of the company’s Bermudian-domiciled listed affiliates.
Brookfield said the design aimed to incorporate highly advanced building performance specifications with sustainability features that will earn it Leed Gold certification, a globally recognised symbol of sustainability.
There will also be a publicly accessible arcade next to Chancery Lane along the southern half and retail outlets on the ground floor.
The building project is expected to create more than 100 jobs.
A spokeswoman for Brookfield, which submitted a project application earlier this year, said: “There is a strong design emphasis on the public experience with setbacks larger than required to provide covered public areas for pedestrian gatherings and street activity at both ends of Chancery Lane.
“[The design] promotes retail use along Front Street with glazing and signage.”
The increased retail space along Chancery Lane aims to enhance the appearance and public use of the lane,“ she added.
“Exterior terrace space is provided for tenants on all levels of the building and there will be use of local historical details and references.”
In consultation with Philippe Rouja and Wendy Tucker, an area of approximately 70 square feet of brick salvaged from the English ship Caesar, has been identified in a stairwell at 91 Front Street. The Caesar was wrecked on the reefs in Bermuda in 1818 while on route from England to Baltimore. The intent is to remove these bricks and incorporate them in an area to be visible in Chancery Lane.
• Information from Botelho Wood Architects
Brookfield has hired local architectural firm Botelho Wood Architects. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed by early 2026.
Botelho submitted a design statement on August 2 in support of a planning application to demolish the existing buildings at 91 Front Street, 1 Chancery Lane and 54 Reid Street.
The statement said minor quantities of asbestos-containing material had been found in the existing buildings and a qualified asbestos removal company has been appointed.
The plans propose 2,574 sq ft of rentable retail space and 58,042 sq ft of office space.
The proposed building is nine storeys plus a mechanical penthouse, with the main roof parapet level at 136ft.
Botelho said: “This is below the Cathedral ridge datum of plus 138ft but does not conform to the current Hamilton Plan. However, we understand that the Hamilton Plan 2025 will be less prescriptive on matters such as height and it is our contention that sensitive design of the public realm and building are more significant than building height.”
The plans also call for on-site parking and a kerb cut along Reid Street.
Botelho said: “The site is within the historical and retail district and as such the majority of the above-ground portion of the ground floor is designed for retail use, either as a retail store or some form of food and beverage-related use.
“The main entrance to the building is located off Front Street to allow maximum retail frontage on Front Street and Chancery Lane.
“The north halves of the lower two levels are below Reid Street and are below ground. These uninhabitable spaces are utilised for building service facilities and a small parking garage.
“Level 2 on Reid Street has a glazed frontage with a street entrance to promote activity on this street. This floor will be available for retail or business uses.
“All floors above Reid Street are designated for business use and it is intended that the building will accommodate the business offices related to the developer. Significantly the building will be partially occupied by the owner.”
The Department of Planning has been preparing a new land use plan for the City of Hamilton.
Botelho issued a letter in January inviting the design community to attend a presentation titled the City of Hamilton Plan 2023 (Consultative Draft).
The city plan proposes a “fundamentally different approach to land use planning, placing greater emphasis on creating successful places, which have a strong sense of place and identity.”
A consultation strategy will involve in-person drop-in style events for members of the public, radio promotions, a public virtual town hall and other targeted consultation events. Technical officers will be available for those wishing to visit the offices.
A traffic impact statement is required along with an environmental impact statement, while the design aims to achieve a reduction of energy use with energy-efficient measures and renewable energy sources adopted.
Public art will also be a feature of the project and Chancery Lane will be rebuilt.
Botelho added: “The City of Hamilton has been consulted and have indicated their interest in participating in the design and upgrading of the lane.
“The design drawings submitted with the planning application indicate concepts for the lane including paving, lighting and art features. The intent is to maintain the special character of the lane, especially for the north half.
“Decorative lighting is attached to the new building and additional ‘fun lighting’ is to be suspended above the lane.”
Brian Kingston, chief executive of Brookfield's Real Estate business, said in March: “This development is a reflection of our commitment to Bermuda, one of the most sophisticated financial and business markets globally, with access to top talent. We see numerous opportunities for growth in the coming years.”
David Burt, the Premier, said at the time the project provided evidence that the economy was on the right path.
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