Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for joining us today. I am pleased to officially open Harmony Terrace East, the third phase of the Harmony Club campus redevelopment.
Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge a few special guests who have joined us this afternoon. I welcome Senator the Honourable Lauren Bell, area candidate Ms. Dawn Simmons, and the area Member of Parliament, Mr. Scott Pearman.
I also want to acknowledge the presence of Lieutenant Colonel David Burch and recognise him for his invaluable contribution to the success of this project. His steadfast leadership and oversight over the years have helped ensure that the Harmony Club redevelopment can now deliver high-quality, affordable housing for Bermudians.
Thank you all for being here and for your continued support of initiatives that improve the lives of Bermudians.
The Harmony Club campus is a vital part of the Government’s Residential Building Programme and continues to be a cornerstone in our mission to increase access to quality, and affordable housing for Bermuda’s residents.
Demolition work at Harmony Terrace East commenced on February 21, 2024, and after a competitive assessment, renovation contracts were awarded to Rise & Shine Construction, P.E.N.G Electric, M&S Plumbing and Positive Energy Electrical. Work began earnestly on April 8, 2024, with a project budget of $1.6 million.
This redevelopment involved transforming 14 former hotel suites into 12 residential units, comprising six one-bedroom apartments and six studio units. Notably, two units are outfitted to the Fair Housing Standards, providing reasonable accommodation and modifications for individuals with disabilities.
Our dedicated BHC project team played a crucial role in the successful delivery of this phase.
Harmony Terrace East now consists of 12 modern residential units – six one-bedrooms, each averaging 500 square feet, and six studio (efficiency) units averaging, each averaging 350 square feet. All are fully equipped with essential appliances, including a refrigerator and stove, ensuring each home is move-in ready.
This project is part of a larger vision for the total redevelopment of the Harmony Club campus, which includes Terraces East, West, North, South, and the Gate House. I am especially proud to note that the Gate House has already been repurposed into emergency housing and renamed The Bonnie-Jean Tweed House in honor of a beloved and dedicated BHC staff member who served with distinction for over 30 years.
Harmony Terrace West, previously completed, features eight modernised units, a testament to the quality and care invested in each phase of this redevelopment. Harmony Terrace East brings us one step closer to realising the full potential of this important site.
Looking ahead, the next phase will be Harmony Terrace North, which is slated to include 16 studio units. We look forward to sharing further details on the timeline and commencement of this phase soon.
These units will be made available to residents at an affordable monthly rental rate of $1,100 and $1500 for studio and one-bedroom units, respectively, and continue our commitment to providing dignified and accessible housing for Bermuda’s families.
Although small, these efficient units are a significant step towards addressing demands for affordable housing in Bermuda.
I am pleased to report that some of these units will be occupied by applicants from our waiting list, as well as current tenants of Harmony Terrace North who are relocating to make way for the next phase of construction.
While this announcement is positive news, we know that more affordable housing is needed, and the Government is committed to this effort. As such, I am pleased to report that work is taking place in other areas around the island, including Battery Road in St. David’s, Chelsea Apartment in St. George’s and Middle Town Terrace in Pembroke, to name a few.
Additionally, BHC offers a Private Sector Landlord Refurbishment Programme through which we renovate units and add them to our housing stock for a specific period to recuperate the investment. I encourage members of the public to call the BHC on 295-8623 or visit www.bhc.bm for more information.
Before concluding my remarks, I want to thank the Chairman, T. Christopher Famous, JP, MP, and the BHC Board of Directors, who carefully set the organisation’s strategic direction. I also want to thank the CEO and General Manager Paul Martin and his team at the BHC.
I must also single out BHC’s Assistant Project Manager E. Blake Lambert and thank him for his exceptional work overseeing this project! We are privileged to have his knowledge and expertise in this industry to bring about the quality of work we witnessed here today.
BHC has also been fortunate to have the support of Dimitrius Richardson, an intern architectural student who joined us in October 2024. Working closely with our Project Lead, Blake Lambert, Dimitrius has made valuable contributions to the success of this redevelopment. His involvement reflects BHC’s commitment to investing in Bermuda’s future by mentoring and providing hands-on opportunities for our young people.
Working together, you effectively carry out the organisation’s daily mandate with purpose and care.
Lastly, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, the Bermuda Housing Corporation, and all stakeholders involved in this project, I thank the people of Bermuda for your ongoing support. Together, we will build stronger communities through responsible development and investment in Bermuda’s housing infrastructure.
Thank you.