Royal Gazette: Government must lead in revitalizing derelict buildings, says planner
When it comes to revitalising derelict buildings, the Government has to lead the way, the assistant director of planning has said.
Speaking at the inaugural Bermuda Infrastructure and Development Summit, Paul McDonald said: “With only 21 square miles of land in Bermuda, focusing on previously developed sites is very, very important.”
He is involved in a survey of derelict buildings on the island, some of which belong to the Government.
“Government has to lead the way and be a good example for everyone else to follow,” he said.
He found it hard to see some buildings falling into ruin in a seemingly short amount of time.
“They have been allowed to degenerate to a stage where you might as well demolish them now because they are not worth retaining,” he said. “We do need to look at ways in which we can protect these buildings.”
Architect and head of OBMI’s Urban Lifestyle studio, Colin Campbell, said Bermuda is at an “interesting” point where it has both an increasing need for accommodation and a declining population, in certain sectors.
“There is an increasing need for good quality housing in areas where the quality of housing is not very good at all,” Mr Campbell said.
Cynthia Millett, counsel in Conyers’ Bermuda property practice, said: “Some Bermudians want a property their family can stay in for ever, even if they do not have the means to develop it.”
She said when people do want to revamp old buildings on family property, they sometimes lack clear title.