Bermuda Public Storage has joined the growing list of self storage facilities to hit the market to meet the expanding demand from businesses and individuals alike.

With Bedrock Secure Self Storage already up and running in Ferry Reach and Island Self Storage currently being constructed at the Mill Reach Properties site in<\p>Pembroke, the latest addition to the Island's self storage industry faces some stiff competition.

But Troy Burrows, owner of Burrows Construction, who is building the new seven-floor facility in Elliott Street, is confident his latest venture will capture the right niche, with Bermuda Ocean Shipping set to move into the ground and mezzanine levels and several other businesses lined up as potential tenants.

"This was a good opportunity to set up a self storage facility in a perfect location within walking distance from the centre of Hamilton in an industrial area and it is ideal for access and storage for both individuals and businesses," he said.

"We will be able to provide storage for almost anything from home contents to company materials, as well as a wine storage facility.

"I have been studying self storage for many years, so I knew the business and was very familiar with it, which helps as I am constructing the building myself."

Mr. Burrows tried to set up a self storage facility in 1991, but was unable to get the financing and to close a deal with John Swan Ltd. to acquire property in Harvey Road.

After a stint in Miami, he returned to Bermuda full-time in 1995 and started looking at a number of possible sites, before settling on the current location, which was formerly a plumbing shop, and securing backing from HSBC to press ahead with the project. Work started on the design about two years ago, since when rivals Bedrock Secure Self Storage and Island Self Storage have come into effect, prior to breaking ground in August. An official opening is planned for April 2010.

"Right now, I believe we will have the supply to meet the demand with about 800 units we will have available between Bedrock, which has 21 units, Island Self Storage (270 units) and ourselves (425 units)," said Mr. Burrows.

"We have quite a few business already who will be renting storage from us and there are some more deals that we are hopefully going to close this week.

"Other attractive features include a loading dock for containers, two 8ft x 10ft freight elevators and packaging materials such as boxes and locks for storage units."

The 50,000 square foot facility, which consists of two underground floors and five above ground floors, including a mezzanine level, comes in 5ft x 5ft, 10ft x 10ft and 10ft x 30ft units, costing $375 per month for a 10ft x 10ft unit. Units can also be customised to fit a required size or specification.

Among the businesses to have expressed an interested in taking space at the new facility are insurance companies, law firms, retailers and restaurants, storing everything from files and documents to products and goods and even wine, all in a climate-controlled and dehumidified environment run via a computer. There is 24-hour access to the building and a back-up generator in the event of a power outage. The facility's main tenant will be Bermuda Ocean<\p>Shipping, whose head office and warehouse will be based in the building, which will enable customers to switch their imported goods straight from the container to their storage units.

Build from concrete blocks, the building is waterproof and able to withstand the strongest hurricanes and tornadoes, in addition to a CCTV to ensure its clients' wares are fully protected.

Burrows Construction has sub-contracted the masonry work to Paramount Construction, while GSC is carrying out the plumbing and sprinkler systems, and TSC<\p>Electric is doing all of the electrics. Kaissa Ltd. has designed the building.

For more information, contact Troy Burrows on 333-5532, e-mail bermudapublicstorage<\@>hotmail.com or visit the website at www.bermudapublicstorage.com