A patron has been chosen to renovate an historic ballroom, it was announced yesterday.

Age Concern will take over development of the Admiralty House Ballroom in a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Public Works.

The group will hold public consultations to see what the surrounding community would like to see in the new space.

Tanya Bule, the chairwoman of Age Concern, said: “We are completely aware of the historical, social and environmental significance of Admiralty House and its grounds and are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to become stewards of this magnificent property.

“We are also cognisant of the significant responsibility that comes with such a stewardship and, as such, we will be launching a community engagement process to determine what the community feels the redevelopment of such an historical landmark should look like.”

Consultations will take the form of online surveys and telephone surveys, as well as several town hall-style meetings.

The online survey will be launched within the next few days on the charity’s website and be available until November 30.

The first town hall meeting will be virtual and take place on November 9, while the following one will take place on November 14.

The community engagement phase will be followed by a feasibility study to determine how possible many of these plans are.

Ms Bule said that the consultation phase would take about six months and that the charity hoped to break ground in about a year’s time.

She added that the Government had offered the charity a grant to do so.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said that Age Concern was one of three applicants who answered the Government’s request for proposals, and did so with the most “comprehensive plan”.

He added that the charity’s plans supported the Government’s vision of both preserving buildings with great cultural significance and protecting the interests of Bermuda’s senior population.

Colonel Burch said: “Age Concern Bermuda’s aspiration aligns perfectly with our goal – to redevelop the former ballroom, reinstate its functionality, and make the entire facility available for the benefit of our community, both local and tourists alike.

“However, given the unique nature of this Grade 2-listed property within a National Park, we recognise the complexities involved in its redevelopment of use.”

He added: “The restoration of this cherished landmark is at the heart of our vision.

“However, it’s not just about preserving history – it’s about creating a space that will benefit the entire community, particularly our senior and the broader community near Admiralty House Park.

“The ballroom’s redevelopment allows us to breathe new life into this iconic structure while incorporating ancillary spaces to enhance its utility further.”

Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva, the executive director of Age Concern, said that she was “extremely happy” to renovate the historic ballroom, which had fallen into disrepair after being vacant for several years.

She added: “It is our intent to not only restore the main building and adjacent buildings and property to their former glory, but to add various levels of usability and functionality that are valuable to current and prospective users.”