Low cost homes for Dockyard arrive via Virginia

Sixteen new pre-engineered homes for the Victoria and Albert Row project in Dockyard have arrived in Bermuda.

The housing parts, which include roof sections and walls, were brought into the island by the tug boat Eileen on Monday morning.

They will be now unloaded from the barge that berthed at the Knuckles in Dockyard and bosses say construction work is likely to begin within days.

The specially designed properties were made in Virginia and loaded onto containers to be brought to Bermuda. 

Andrew Dias, general manager of WEDCO, told the Bermuda Sun that the project could be completed as soon as October.

He added”  “This is the second of three barges that will bring in building materials for the Victoria and Albert Row housing project.

“The first one came in around a month ago.

“The cargo on this barge accounts for 16 of the 20 planned houses.

“The last four houses will arrive in the final barge next month.

“The houses will be built on the cleared area in front of where Albert Row is.

“We are looking for a completion date of October.”

The original plans for the Victoria and Albert Row project, unveiled by the former Government, had involved the demolition of the old Dockyard buildings.

But earlier this year Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz announced that the proposals had been modified to save money.

Instead of leveling the old buildings it was announced that the tenants of Victoria and Albert Row would be relocated into 20 new properties near to the front of Albert Row.

At the time Minister Moniz added: “As a Government, I just wanted to say that we have listened to the people of Bermuda in taking this decision which now ensures two significant historical sites will be saved from demolition. 

“The Albert and Victoria Buildings are the last remaining example of housing that were built for Dockyard tradesmen or artisans and their families and is reminiscent of the Dockyard’s British roots. 

“Although there is no currently defined plan or timeline, it is our intention to restore both Albert and Victoria Row properties in due course.”

Mr Moniz said that the original project was due to cost $36 million while the amended proposals would save taxpayers around $11 million. n