Environmentalist Stuart Hayward has expressed his concern over the potential development of the White Crest Hill site in Tucker’s Town, which is now on the market.

Mr Hayward, spokesman for the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce BEST, said he was particularly worried about the size of any project undertaken by developers. It echoes concerns voiced when the Bermuda Government approved a Special Development Order SDO in the area four years ago.

“Although it is a brownfield site (the whole area was converted from natural to catchment area, capped in limestone), BEST’s concern was about the scale of proposed development ... but that battle was lost before we got involved,” Mr Hayward said.

“The public will now see what we were fighting for.”

White Crest Hill is one of several pieces of land in Hamilton Parish that are now open to residential and hotel development.

The SDO, which came under repeated criticism from environmentalists, granted permission for the creation of 50 residential lots on the property.

As part of the agreement, more than 35 acres of land — including a “substantial portion” of White Crest Hill — were conveyed to the Government for conservation purposes.

Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty confirmed this week that White Crest Hill was up for sale.

Brian Madeiros, president and CEO of the company, said the property was introduced to the market in June, and the agent has confirmed interest in the property which has culminated in several showings to both local and international parties.

Online listings for the 40-acre property “offers the opportunity for master-plan residential or boutique hotel development with spectacular water and golf course views”.

A spokesman for Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty explained that the area, also known as Catchment Hill, includes four existing houses, a couple of ruins, three large disused water catchments and associated water tanks.

A number of large disused quarries are also located within the confines of the property.

“The property being offered for sale is zoned for development in accordance with the current planning statement. In accordance with the SDO conditions the owner has been complying with the requirements of the SDO, including in part carrying out environmental impact studies.

“The potential development of the property offers Bermuda another opportunity for job growth and further support of the island’s local construction and tourism industries and the positive economic impact that would stem from those.”