An application to extend the existence of a visitor hub made from shipping containers will go before the Development Applications Board for a final decision, a government spokesman said.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority hoped to keep the structure on Front Street for another five years.

Its Hamilton Visitor Services Centre was earlier approved to be in place until February 16, 2023 and a planning application to extend operations was submitted last December.

A letter from Adwick Planning, on behalf of the BTA, said then that the tourism quango recognised the hub was “essentially” a temporary structure but that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic “severely hampered its ability to look at alternatives“.

It added: “At the same time, it believes that the BVSC [Bermuda Visitor Services Centre] in this location has much to contribute to enhancing the visitor experience if its full potential can be attained in a post-Covid environment.

“The authority therefore seeks an extension of the permission for the structure.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs, which includes the Department of Planning, said last week: “The process is ongoing and the application is now proceeding to the Development Applications Board, which will make a final determination on whether to grant permission for the structure to remain.”

Minutes from a meeting held in April of the Advisory Architectural Panel said Peter Adwick, the agent for the application, told members that the BTA had difficulties using the building to its full potential, mostly owing to the pandemic.

The minutes added: “As a result, the applicant did not get the return on investment which they were hoping.

“No alterations are proposed to the building besides some minor maintenance matters such as rust-proofing and painting.

“The bar Birdcage is located on the top level while the middle level is not occupied.

“The main function of the building is for a visitors service bureau, which is located on the lower level and has worked well.”

Summarising the panel’s comments and questions, the minutes said: “When the application for this proposal was submitted five years ago, the AAP had two primary concerns.

“One, that the proposed three-storey structure will have a negative impact on the view corridor along Queen Street.

“Two, that the applicant will be looking to continually renew planning permission every five years for a structure which has been stated to be temporary.

“These two concerns still stand for this present application.

“Additionally, it is more difficult this time around to support the application for a further five years given that the building appears to be underutilised.”

The notes said Mr Adwick’s response was that excluding Covid, the VSC had more than 125,000 people pass through, and that the building was not insignificant.

Members of the AAP also sought further information on how the building generated revenue.

The minutes said Mr Adwick responded that the BTA did not perceive the structure as a revenue-generating entity; its purpose was to service visitors on the island.

They added that the agent said the tourism authority was looking at opportunities to create income on the second level.

Concluding, the panel maintained its initial two concerns and added: “Further to this, the AAP deem the proposed structure to be incompatible with the design character along Front Street.”

The minutes said: “Further to these concerns the AAP have stated that if planning permission was to be granted by the board to extend the lease, the applicant is strongly encouraged to explore opportunities to incorporate public art around the structure to help make the building more visually appealing.

“Overall, the AAP encourage a three-year renewal with a possibility of a two-year further renewal but expect that the structure would be demolished within five years.”

The visitor centre is on land rented from the City of Hamilton, which separately unveiled a 40ft marquee “Bermuda” sign near by in May.

A submission to the planning department in March said that the Corporation of Hamilton Board resolved to approve that the lease — which was to expire at the end of February 2023 — would be extended for another three years and include a six-month break clause after two years, providing the planning department approved an extension.

It added: “The lease would include a quit clause relating to the refurbishment of the exterior of the structure to an appropriate standard for tourism.”

The BTA applied for planning permission in 2017 to move the Team Artemis guest pavilion – used as part of the event village for the 35th America’s Cup – to its site on Front Street, near the junction with Queen Street.

Approval was given by the DAB in November that year.

In its meeting minutes, the DAB said then: “In order to safeguard the amenity of the surrounding area (Front Street and the waterfront), the permission hereby granted shall be for a limited period only, expiring five years from the issuance date of the building permit, when the structure shall be removed and the land shall be restored to its former condition.”