The Shadow Housing and Municipalities Minister said he was ‘stunned’ to learn it was to be developed for a new retail and office space
Michael Fahy, the Shadow Housing Minister of Housing and Municipalities is urging the government to reconsider plans to repurpose the Bishop Spencer building into a retail, office space and dormitories.
In a new release, Mr. Fahy said he was “stunned” to learn the building is not being repurposed for supporting either a transitional living facility, emergency housing or a seniors’ home.
He explained, “The building and property is owned by the Bermuda Government and given the overwhelming need for any one of three aforementioned, it is beyond strange that the building is being leased to a private business. It is unlikely that the dormitories will be used for Bermudian workers, although I could be wrong.”
It is his view that the building is suitable for social programs and ought to have been repurposed to help address the homelessness issue.
He further expressed frustration on the matter when the question on the future of the derelict property was raised in a written piece back in 2008 though the project did not move forward for various reasons.
The proposals by On-site Engineering Services said the site will house retail and office space as well as a workshop, a warehouse and dormitories for up to 12 staff on Glebe Road in Pembroke.
