BPS vacated the St George’s property in 2012
The former St George’s Police Station, vacant for more than a decade, could begin the long process of renovation – if planning permission is granted.
A proposal to replace wooden windows with PVC in timber frames, and to install a new elevator, is currently under review with the Department of Planning.
According to supporting documentation from the Estates Section of the Department of Public Lands and Building, the old Police Station on York Street, St George’s, was vacated by the Bermuda Police Service in 2012, and considered to be unsuitable for occupation.
There have been a number of ideas to repurpose the building, the latest being to facilitate the relocation of the Black Heritage Historic Museum.
However, Kofi Agyakwa-Duodu, Estates Surveyor for Public Lands & Buildings, highlights various issues that needed to be addressed in the property that led to it being vacated, including water ingress causing damp conditions, and termite infestation.
Original windows were removed and boarded up, and PVC windows sashes in Accoya frames have been proposed.
A new elevator is also proposed, but the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee are not supportive of the current plan because it is “unsympathetic towards the southern elevation of the building”.
Jessica Dill, Designate Heritage Officer, said in a letter that the Committee asked if alternative options for accessibility had been considered, such as chair lifts.
Responding to the HBAC letter, Mr Agyakwa-Duodu affirmed that the building is going to be made available for a general public use, with all areas and floors being wheelchair accessible. However, chair lifts would require further construction and structural changes, both externally and internally.
The planning application and related documents can be found at planning.gov.bm.
