Opposition welcomes Fairmont’s $52m hotel redevelopment plan
A $52 million expansion proposed for the Fairmont Hamilton Princess has been described by Shadow Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell as a “welcome decision”However, he said the move demonstrates the demand for space by the international business community more than a prediction of an improving tourism industry.“The planned investment by the Fairmont Group in the Hamilton Princess property is more a reflection of the steady, reliable demand for rooms by international business people and the lack of city-based competition for customers than positive expectations for increasing numbers of vacationers,” he said.“It will, nevertheless, add real value to Bermuda’s hotel product and that is a good thing.”He said that Bermuda needs to continue to invest in upgrading the Bermuda product to meet and exceed international expectations.“We would urge prompt and responsible approval for the project to generate jobs for Bermudians,” he said. “This is a significant opportunity to get out-of-work construction workers back on the job.”Mr Crockwell also called on the Government, if they have not already done so, to look at the reasons and conditions of the proposed expansion and see if a similar model might be used at other tourism properties.UBP Leader Kim Swan also praised the announcement yesterday, saying it could help give other developers faith in the Bermuda product.“The knock on effect of this positive news from one of our major properties is comforting and reassuring to those of us in the tourism industry who are looking to rebuild tourism,” he said.“Business breeds more business and with the prolonged economic hardship, it has been months and months of bad news; and this type of investment helps build confidence in our tourism necessary to encourage investment in projects such as the George Hotel and Marina proposed for St George’s.“The proposed marina for Hamilton Princess sets the stage for them to capitalise on the lucrative mega yacht clientele we are hopeful of attracting in great numbers for the town of St George.”In a press conference held on Wednesday at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert announced that Government has granted in principle support for the redevelopment plan, which will include dozens of additional beds and a yacht club.Mr Furbert applauded the decision to continue with expansion plans in the current economic climate, saying that the project would stimulate the hotel and construction industry should it be approved by the Development Applications Board.JP Martens of the Bermuda Hotel Association yesterday described the announcement as a positive development for the industry, saying: “Hopefully other hotel developments will soon follow.”
The $52 million renovation at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess is just one of several proposed developments and redevelopments across the Island.
lWork on the Grand Atlantic Resort at the former Golden Hind site in Warwick is still at least a year and a half away, according to contractor Gilbert Lopes.
Construction on the 100-room hotel and 20 fractional units was scheduled to start once work on the low-cost housing aspect of the project is completed.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Lopes said: “That’s still the plan.”
However he expressed concern that the project might not be able to attract financiers and visitors in the current climate, saying Government has not done enough to promote the industry.
“I can build it, but it doesn’t matter if they don’t encourage people to come,” he said.
lThe $300 million Park Hyatt Resort is still moving forward, according to local representative E Michael Jones but final planning approval is still likely months away.
“We are still moving along, still tidying up the last minute details,” he said. “We expect [project Developer Carl] Bazarian maybe coming to visit us early next year.”
lPlans for a Boutique Hotel and Marina in the town are also still reportedly moving forward. While an exclusivity agreement between the Corporation and Developer Leading Edge Ltd is expected to end at the end of this year, talks to extend the agreement were said to be underway.
lRosewood Tuckers Point earlier this year was awarded a Special Development Order in March, paving way for a proposed expansion after much debate.
In April, hotel president Ed Trippe said the expansion plans were on hold as the hotel carried out detailed marketing and environmental studies.
lRenovations are scheduled to take place at The Reefs between January 2 and March 15, with the hotel carrying out work on its guest rooms, suites and cottages.
lSandys 9 Beaches Resort is also closed in anticipation of an $80 million “expansion, upgrade and redevelopment.” Developers said this summer that they hoped to have the resort reopened by the end of next year.
