Boutique hotel heralds town renaissance

The ambitious target for the project could mean construction begins at the Corporation car park opposite Ordnance Island as early as next April.

The proposed 60-room hotel and 100-berth mega-yacht marina are expected to cost $80 to $100million to build.

The Corporation of St. George’s is providing the land and will have the chance to take some of the profits from the venture.

Deputy Mayor Garth Rothwell admitted the target was ‘aggressive’. But he said it was important to move the project quickly from concept to reality.

“The plan is to begin construction in six months. If we make that we are doing extremely well,” he said.

Developer Leading Edge Ltd. is in the process of putting together financing for the project.

Niche

Jeremy Spencer, president of the Bermuda-based firm, said he and business partner Chris West, who used to run the White Horse, saw a ‘niche market’ for small upscale hotels in Bermuda.

He said construction and running costs were lower than on major projects and the chances of filling the beds year round were greater.

Mr. Spencer said: “We see this as an opportunity to bring back the level of tourism St. George’s should enjoy. I’m sure this will be a great asset to the town.”

St. George’s has been looking for new tourism opportunities since cruise ships stopped visiting the town in large numbers.

The advantage of a marina and hotel, say planners, is that it will bring a different type of tourist in — wealthy yacht owners, their friends and families, with money to spend.

“The fringe benefits for the town are mind-boggling,” added Mr. Spencer.

Mr. Rothwell said the town could easily accommodate tourists from two hotels. He said even with construction of the Park Hyatt and this venture there would still be less tourists on the streets than when two large cruise ships were in port.

Mr. Rothwell, part-owner of Robertson’s Drug Store, added a marina had been the vision of town authorities for several years.

“It will move the town forward in offering the facilities that the hundreds of visiting yachts have been requesting, as well as providing berths for locals,” he said.

The ferry terminal would move to Hunter’s Wharf and underground car parking would be incorporated in the design.

Mr. Rothwell added: “It is our belief that the boutique hotel will complement the marina and lead to a greater success for the operators and the town than either would achieve on their own.

“In itself the hotel will boost the tourism aspect for St. George’s, increasing revenue to the local businesses, with visitors becoming part of the town as they were 200 years ago.

“This development should result in much needed further employment in the town centre.” Mayor Kenneth Bascome said the town was at a turning point.

He said losing the cruise ships had inspired a new enthusiasm for ideas and ‘out of the box’ thinking to get the town back on its feet.

“You will never hear me say Government should be doing this or that. We have to be proactive ourselves,” he said.

“I think if people in Government see we are taking the initiative and being proactive, they will be supportive and assist with what we are trying to do.”

He said the Corporation was getting involved in its own marketing initiatives — twinning with historic Jamestown in Virginia.

He said Bermuda did not make enough use of the town’s status as a World Heritage Site and so the Corporation was starting its own campaign to lure visitors.

“I believe we are on the verge of a whole new beginning for the town of St. George,” he added.

St. George’s Hotel and Marina Plan: Estimated cost $80-100m; estimated room price $400-500; number of rooms 60; number of yacht berths 100-125.