BEST Comments On Bermudiana Beach Resort
BEST said they are “pleased to see that the resurrection of the development formerly known as Grand Atlantic is taking shape,” saying the latest plans for the project, renamed Bermudiana Beach Resort, “appears to us set to transform the boxy, gray, stone buildings into pastel-hued and livable tourist residences.”
The Grand Atlantic property was planned by the previous administration as a housing development, with the listed prices for the 78 units ranging from $495,000 – $665,000.
Only one unit sold in the first six months, and late last year the new administration decided to solicit [PDF] requests for information from investors and potential buyers, local and international, for the 78-unit property.
In April of this year, the Government announced that the property will be taken over by MacLellan & Associates who plan to turn it into a condo hotel, assisted by local companies OBMI and Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty.
Section extracted from the online planning application listing:
The environmental group said they feel “satisfaction that at long last something positive is emerging from this unoccupied project.
BEST said, “Originally we were promised a five-star hotel and luxury suites, villas and condominiums — a grand tourism development that was offered to justify the lifting of protective zonings via an SDO.
“Instead, we got an unattractive and unwanted scar that residents and passers-by had to face every day, and which was unmarketable even at bargain basement prices.
“The latest plans for the project, renamed Bermudiana Beach Resort, appears to us set to transform the boxy, gray, stone buildings into pastel-hued and livable tourist residences.
“The novel tourism model being posed by the current developers remains to be proven but the thorough planning that has gone into the project is encouraging.”
The full statement from BEST is below:
BEST is pleased to see that the resurrection of the development formerly known as Grand Atlantic is taking shape. Our view, one that is shared with area residents, is a satisfaction that at long last something positive is emerging from this unoccupied project.
Originally we were promised a five-star hotel and luxury suites, villas and condominiums — a grand tourism development that was offered to justify the lifting of protective zonings via an SDO. Instead, we got an unattractive and unwanted scar that residents and passers-by had to face every day, and which was unmarketable even at bargain basement prices.
The latest plans for the project, renamed Bermudiana Beach Resort, appears to us set to transform the boxy, gray, stone buildings into pastel-hued and livable tourist residences. The novel tourism model being posed by the current developers remains to be proven but the thorough planning that has gone into the project is encouraging.
Upgrades include elevators for all buildings, a swimming pool, funicular [cable-car] as well as stairs from the buildings to the beach, extensive plantings and pastel painting.
Also important to us is the process being followed by the current developers in contrast to the original development. We, along with area residents, have felt more included as this project has taken shape.”
Notable are the following differences between how this project was handled then and now:
Consultation/Collaboration with BEST, neighbours and Southlands
BEST was given a presentation at an early stage on this new project and have been kept abreast of changes in the scheme. Our input was sought and taken on board. In turn, we have involved area residents. The developers are looking to assist in the resurrection of Southlands, south of the roadway, which will benefit the parkland and the neighbourhood.
Aesthetic attention [landscaping, plantings and colour]
Some of the adjectives used to describe the existing buildings are not repeatable. The gray monotone and blocky construction coupled with a site completely denuded of vegetation was eminently unattractive. Even brochure images were unimaginative. The refit seeks to soften the harsh lines of the structures using alternative materials, extensive multi-height plantings and pastel exterior painting.
Coastal attention
The sea-wall built to curb erosion of the cliff face at beach level looked mechanistic and out of place, and addressed a single erosive force — wave action. The current project includes remedial cliff-face excavation and reinforcement, removal of problem plant growth and remedial plantings, and a novel combination of stairs and a funicular to move guests between the buildings and the beach. We are awaiting our consultant’s assessment before passing final judgment on this phase of the development.
Sharing of studies and other information
We have had easy access to studies and relevant information that previously was treated as secret. The openness has enabled us to be more fully informed and resort less to speculation or suspicion.
Green globe
The current developers have said they will be seeking “Green Globe” certification, a process that reinforces and rewards environmentally-sound planning, construction and operation.
Overall, the project is an encouraging reversal from being a drain on the economy to offering the promise of a revenue-generating addition to our tourism product.
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BEST said they are “pleased to see that the resurrection of the development formerly known as Grand Atlantic is taking shape
I thought these condos were destined to fall into the ocean, which was a concern by BEST. Why are they pleased now, did their previous concerns just disappear after the PLP lost the election?
In my view, the only difference is who the intended occupants are. Work class Bermudian vs foreigners
Working class Bermudians could never have occupied Grand Titanic. It was too expensive starting at half a mill. Pay attention Rhonda.
Rhonda…Before you diss the foreigners, take a look at your own family tree. And also remember that the PLP built GA before so much as ONE Bermudian subscribed to a unit. Rhonda…may the truth set you free….the PLP built GA to buy votes. If the PLP cared about the working class, they would not have bankrupted the system. The rich man can leave Bermuda. My family is stuck here to clean up the mess the PLP created. Perhaps your energy should be aimed at Paula Cox who lost control (ask her why….and while your at it, don’t diss the foreigners since her husband was not born in Bermuda.
Except that, just like jobs, working class Bermudians did not want them.
This exactly. The working class Bermudian that could actually afford it, wouldn’t find them attractive, if they did, more would have sold.
Smarten up Rhonda – at this point we just want to make some money off this monstrous screw-up! Bermudians OBVIOUSLY don’t have the money to occupy them so DUH, find money elsewhere. #dumbasaboxofrocks
Bermudians didn’t want them, Rhonda. All we got from the PLP was lies about how they had “100 buyers lined up”. Now we have a plan to actually use the buildings rather than have them stand empty.
Of course, that irritates you because it shows up how incompetent the PLP was.
Such a hypocrite
What great perception…I too look forward in seeing this “eyesore” transformed into, “a breath of fresh air”. (It will offer so many so much)
NOVEL project to be proven,what a crock,please stick your head back where it was.
This is and was another PLP/BIU “DISASTER” and the Present Administration (ie) OBA party have found a solution to this DISASTER.
This takes “MONEY” that belongs to other peole from “OUTSIDE” of Bermuda
This is not TaxPayers money borrowed and going deeper into DEBT like the PLP/BIU and other Unions like to “WASTE” other peoples money leaving a HUGE BURDEN on all the “CHILDREN of Bermuda.
This project will be a success and bring some BADLY NEEDED revenue to Bermuda providing we dont get alot of opposition to it.
So BEST please dont be a pain in the a**.
Ronda,we all have a good life OFF those from outside of Bermuda.
Unless ofcourse you would prefer us to be like “AFRICA” which has approx one BILLION people and according to the UN and the World Banl (650)Million of those people are forced to live on less than the Equivilant of $US2.00 or $BD2.00 per day.And that has to cover everything.
Maybe you might like to dwell on how beautifull our life has become
just look around and appreciate what is around us,and stop being negative for the sake of being negative.
Was it neccesary to draw references to Africa?
Some. Comments need not be expressed so crudely !! Hers n others !! But if u want to look n sound silly ! Throw rocks at each others Glass House ! Under pin names ! Does anything for collective progress ??? Smell the flowers they are all different but all need the same thing to survive !
Let it go Rhonda.
You focus on too much past.
Always negative.
Shalom.
LOL, now thats is rich!! Focusing on the past!! LOL
My opinion here…………..I still think no matter what they do to this property, it is still a dumb idea! It is still sitting on the edge of a cliff that is eroding away, or did we all forget?!!! Place isn’t safe, remember?! That was the talk when the place was built, that was the talk when PLP was in power and that was the talk of why no one would buy them. Now, have we all forgetten those little facts?! Or is it ok now because tourists will be living there?
Myths. Rewriting history again. Pathetic.
Well yes, it is OK if tourists are using it. Big difference between people who have a vested interest in a property that they are living in & people who use it as a hotel.
As a hotel it is nothing more than a tool, a piece of equipment to try to make a decent return on the investment. If/when it starts showing signs of being unstable & ready to fall into the sea it will long be evacuated.
Not so easy to do if it belongs to a bunch of fulltime residents.
Visitor accomodation is often on dangerous land. Look at all of the hotels & timeshares right on beaches around the world. Look at how many commercial campgrounds are located in flood prone areas. People using those lands are only using them temporarily. Their homes are somewhere else. Somewhere safe.
I disagree with the “bargain basement” classification. I would have loved to been able to snap up a south shore condo if the price was right. Say 200k? But we all knew that wasn’t plausible from the start.
And use a pulley system to get home from the beach with a helmet.
Question: the beach at the bottom is currently private right? (from Southlands property). With Southlands reverting to government ownership, is the beach area included, or does that become fenced off for guests of the GA property?
Southlands beach is not part of GA – that was a small cottage colony and of course the hotel will have the old Bermudiana Beach Club beach if that property is also built on. Southlands beach is just that Southlands but then again who knows boundaries can move very easily if you are not paying attention.
It makes sense for tourist to occupy them because they are there temporarily , when there is a hurricane they would have to evacuate them.
This is a good hopeful solution to a grave mistake made by the PLP. Let’s see what happens before you bit.h about it.
In a chicken farm sort of way…