Church services and a boxing ring could be set up in buildings at TN Tatem Middle School, the Minister of Public Works said today.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch told the House of Assembly a range of activities are being planned in the building, which was closed due to mould problems earlier this year.

Proposals under consideration include a boxing ring in the weight training room, a carpentry shop after school programme, and cookery and bakery space for budding entrepreneurs.

The auditorium could be used for church services, while the PHC football club, which uses the playing field for training and community football programmes, will make use of the school building.

All areas which will be used have been tested for mould and air quality.

Pupils and staff from the school were relocated for the current school year after long periods spent tackling pervasive mould issues and leaks.

Colonel Burch said the buildings “could not simply remain shuttered for an entire school year”.

He said: “Everyone knows what happens when any building in our subtropical climate is closed. It’s the perfect environment for mould and mildew, Bermuda’s national flower, to flourish.”

The minister said that retaining a presence on site would also discourage vandalism, damage and unauthorised occupancy of the building.

Colonel Burch said that activities will be under licence until July 31 next year, when a long-term future will be known for the school.

He said: “You will know that every building needs to breath in order not to deteriorate. We believe these efforts will ensure that the TN Tatem campus will require minor repairs next year to be able to cater to students once again, should that be the Ministry of Education’s decision.

“In a practical sense this temporary use of TN Tatem will provide tangible assistance to a wide cross section of our community and protect the integrity of this asset.”

• To read Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch’s ministerial statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”