Govt Statement On Fairmont Southampton SDO

The Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation “reiterated the strong environmental protections, planning controls, and oversight safeguards embedded within the finalised Fairmont Southampton Special Development Order [SDO], underscoring that the SDO balances the island’s environmental responsibilities with the national priority of rejuvenating Bermuda’s tourism product.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The finalised SDO is not a new approval, but rather the formal completion of the draft SDO that underwent public discussion and Government review in 2023. The Order has been strengthened through a robust technical drafting process led by the Department of Planning, ensuring precise environmental requirements, strict conditions, and enhanced regulatory clarity.

Environmental Protections Strengthened

“The SDO includes a comprehensive suite of environmental safeguards, including:

• “Creation of Protected Areas and woodland restoration through Conservation Management Plans to preserve the character of the site and the surrounding community.

• “Stringent wastewater treatment standards, updated traffic management requirements, and measures to maintain public access to key areas of the property.

• “The hotel-first rule ensures tourism comes first, preventing residential occupancy before the hotel reopens.

“These measures directly address concerns raised by the public regarding environmental protection, transparency, and long-term national benefits.

Planning Approvals Still Required

“The SDO does not override the role of the Department of Planning, and even more importantly, the Development Applications Board. All phases of development must still be submitted as separate planning applications and must comply with every condition outlined in the SDO.”

“This SDO provides a framework,” the Minister explained. “But it does not grant automatic approval for construction. Each phase must undergo assessment by the Department of Planning and be approved by the Development Applications Board. Every environmental and technical condition must be satisfied before work can proceed.”

Balanced Approach: Oversight, Accountability & National Benefit

A Government spokesperson added, “The SDO introduces formal inclusion of the subdivision plan and an updated phasing plan, to allow the developer to progress efficiently while maintaining compliance.

“The Ministry also wishes to highlight the significant economic benefits of the redevelopment, including:

• “An estimated $1.4 billion in economic impact.

• “641 individuals employed on the project as of October 2025, including 242 Bermudians, Spouses of Bermudians, and PRC holders.

• “24 local companies engaged to date.

• “A planned increase in hotel employment from the current 130 staff to 450 by the end of 2026, growing to approximately 700 employees once fully operational.”

“The Fairmont Southampton is a landmark property, and its successful reopening is essential to Bermuda’s tourism recovery and economic growth,” the Minister said. “This SDO represents a balanced approach, progress with protection, flexibility with accountability, and clarity at every stage.”

A Government spokesperson added, “With the SDO finalised, the developer will now submit formal planning applications for each phase of the project. The Government and the developer will continue to update the public as the redevelopment progresses and as Bermuda moves toward the reopening of a hotel that has played a vital role in the island’s tourism industry for decades.”

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