Redevelopment plans for Water Street in St George have caused business owner Astoria Smith to move, but she is upbeat about the change.

The owner of Lacquered Lounge, which offers beauty services such as waxing and manicures, welcomes proposals for the historic St George thoroughfare.

“It will be pretty cool to see what goes through,” Ms Smith said. “That is the nature of land. St George has had its ups and downs and hopefully we are heading towards an up. There are going to be a lot of changes on Water Street.”

Meyer & Company last year sought planning approval to convert 14, 16 and 18 Water Street, all at Somers Wharf West, from retail units to residential units. Further down, 32 Water Street is up for sale.

There have been objections to the plan. Some have said that it goes against the Bermuda Plan and would change the look of the town and impact tourism.

After four years on Somers Wharf, Ms Smith reopened last month around the corner at 8 York Street, right next to the westbound bus stop.

“Instead of getting down about it, I thought I would take it as an opportunity to take my business to the next level,” Ms Smith said.

She now has more room for her nail services, a private room for waxing clients and a private bathroom.

“I put up this wall behind the reception desk so that there would be more privacy for clients in the back,” Ms Smith said. “It’s a really cool new space.”

For the first time, she is taking on staff.

“I have hired a receptionist and I also have a student receptionist who comes in on weekends,” she said. “I’m also looking to hire more beauty therapists in the next month or so, but I wanted to give myself some time to get comfortable.”

She thinks that she will attract more customers in the new location.

“I am bringing in more local brands such as Liquid Bermuda, which is nail polish in a series of Bermuda inspired colours,” she said.

Ms Smith never considered moving out of the Olde Towne.

Her family have a long business history in the area, running the old Carriage House Restaurant. They now run Temptations Restaurant.

“I really wanted to add to the landscape and tapestry of St George’s businesses,” she said. “I also think there is a demand for a business like mine. There is no one else that does waxing, manicures and pedicures down here. So, there is definitely a captive audience.“

It is quiet in St George right now in the winter season but she is not hit by seasonality.

“I focus on the locals,” she said. However, she is starting to get some visitors coming in from hotels such as the nearby St Regis.