Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to provide an update on the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC).
As Honourable Members may recall, I reported that the Bermuda Land Development Corporation (BLDC) would be fully dissolved by July 2025, while we are very close to completion this deadline will slip into August.
Mr. Speaker,
I would also remind Honourable Members and the public that BLMC is fully operational and is managing all properties and operations formerly overseen by WEDCO and BLDC.
In the West, BLMC continues to work along with the Ministry of Public Works on the current North arm repairs for the Tugs berth. This project is on-going, and the collective team is making progress while ensuring that there is as little impact as possible on the day-to-day operations at Kings wharf and the transportation of its passengers. This has and continues to be a challenging task, at this time I wish to thank all involved in the project repairs as well as those who provide transportation and other services to the ships at Kings wharf.
Mr. Speaker,
The on-going Marine and Ports facility upgrade is now nearing completion, and it is anticipated that their newly renovated and upgraded site will be fully handed over by the end of July. As a reminder to all this project will see the Marine and Ports Dockyard operation located in the North Camber, relocated to the former Oracle sheds. However, Marine and Ports will continue to operate within the ramp area.
Mr. Speaker,
The collective team of BLMC staff, Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture, and Sport, and in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH)—continue to prepare and work together to be ready to embark on the planned major redevelopment project at King’s Wharf Dock which will commence in October 2025 and conclude by March 2026.
Mr. Speaker,
At the end of May, I reported the BLMC was actively looking to find a positive solution for Daniels Head as it has sat vacant for many years. I am extremely pleased to report that BLMC has entered an MOU with NCLH to assess and evaluate the possibility of investing and potentially transforming this area into a first-class day tourism product.
Mr. Speaker,
I cannot stress enough to all Honourable members and the public that these discussions are in the beginning stages and despite rumors that have recently began to circulate Nothing has been signed off on or agreed to. BLMC has not issued a lease to run a private Cruise passenger area or any other form of private resort.
Mr. Speaker,
What I can share is that at this stage BLMC has signed a non-binding MOU that provides six (6) months for NCLH to complete their vision and concept with high level financial requirements for us to consider. This opportunity is still in its early stages, and conceptual designs and financial models have yet to be developed. I wish to inform Honourable members and the public that should this development mature and move forward, stakeholder engagement will be a major part of the process, and I am committed to continuing to deliver updates via this Honourable House for this and other potential projects.
Mr. Speaker,
What I do wish to make clear is that my Ministry and BLMC are committed to delivering a development for this site that will be a new first-class offering for Bermuda that considers and includes both the needs and requirements of the investor as well as the Bermuda community and incorporates Bermudian entrepreneurs and employees.
Mr. Speaker,
Staying in the west, discussions continue that could potentially see the Victualling Yard buildings being brought back to life. Should this potential project take off, it will enable the only remaining BLMC Historical structures to be brought back to life. At this stage it would be premature to provide any specific information as we still have a lot of work to do BUT we are very hopeful that in the coming weeks and months we will be able to provide a more detailed update.
Mr. Speaker,
In the East, the Water and Waste Infrastructure Project is in the final stages before going live and receiving St. George’s waste and turning off the sewage outfall. Unfortunately, there were delays receiving the pumps. Final pump configurations at Market Square / King’s Square are currently ongoing, and sewage transfer to Southside is anticipated to begin in August.
Mr. Speaker,
The transfer of thirty-eight (38) houses as mentioned in my May update, from leasehold to free hold is actively underway with BLMC staff meeting with all lessees outlining the process and requirements. The legal firm Chancery Legal are now engaged so that we can complete this process as promised during this fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to also ensure the east end community that BLMC is also actively working on two initiatives. One with the Bermuda Housing Corporation to identify possible Housing opportunities and BLMC is currently in preliminary talks with a major local wholesaler and retailer about relocating their operations to the east end which would present additional commerce traffic within the area.
In closing, I wish to assure this Honourable House and the public that these updates will continue, and the Board and Management remain committed to delivering on their mandate.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.