A long-discussed project to bring a five-star hotel and resort development to Bodden Town has moved a step closer following the rezoning of a piece of sea-front property in that district.
The planned development could also help facilitate the construction of a stretch of oceanside road in the Beach Bay area, according to Planning Minister Kurt Tibbetts.
Legislators unanimously approved a motion to rezone two parcels, collectively covering 48 acres, from low-density residential to hotel/tourism.
Mr. Tibbetts said the land is connected to a planned hotel development in the area and the rezoning would help the project to progress.
“The developer is proposing to construct a hotel and a resort on the two subject parcels and the adjoining land to the west,” he said.
“The footprint for the development which they plan cannot be accommodated by the parcels already zoned hotel/tourism so, in order to accommodate the project, they have made this request for the rezoning… it is important for the project that the rezoning take place.”
The developers behind the proposed resort, who have so far not spoken publicly about their plans but have been in negotiations with government for several years, have indicated, according to Mr. Tibbetts, that they would “maximize” local employment and training opportunities.
“This will go a long way to creating employment for people in the district and will increase room stock for stay-over tourism,” he said.
Mr. Tibbetts said the completion of a long-planned stretch of coastal road in the vicinity of the hotel is important to the project.
He said, “Negotiations are continuing with the developer and they have indicated that they are quite happy to construct the section of that road which will go through their property.”
Government would be responsible for completing the road, which would link Beach Bay Road with Manse Road.
He said the road alone is not a key priority but is worth completing to help facilitate the hotel project.
Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said he had been involved in talks with the same developer when he was premier and was pleased to see the project moving forward.
He said the development “would enhance our tourism product and bring in the right kind of visitor, the upscale visitor that we promote.”
Alva Suckoo, legislator for Bodden Town, said the completion of the road would have knock-on benefits for the district.
He said it would “open up central Bodden Town and expose it to the benefits that this development would bring. There are going to be opportunities for Bodden Town entrepreneurs, jobs, retail opportunities, the list goes on.”
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I welcome the road that would link Beach Bay to Manse road, and I am very familial where the location would be, however I would like to know in detail how it would open Central Bodden Town and where the benefited opportunities would be for small business opportunities.
To Answer Twylas question. If the road is built and connects central BT with the resort, then the visitors will have direct access to Central BT and therefore you can go and open up a little store and sell your art to them or maybe a restaurant or bar ? I heard Mr Suckoo talk about this many times during the campaign, and I am happy to see it happening!