Good morning, everyone.
Thank you for being here today.
I am pleased to announce that the Government has decided to proceed with the redevelopment of Channel House for a significant public purpose.
The property, owned by the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, will be converted into a BHB-operated facility that will provide approximately 60 beds, together with dedicated service and amenity space that will support Government's broader housing and healthcare objectives.
Before discussing the project itself, I would like to clarify that Channel House is owned by the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, and the Corporation has made the property available to Government to support this important initiative.
Many will recall that in 2023, Government issued a request for proposals to determine whether a suitable private-sector solution could be identified for the site.
That process provided valuable information and allowed us to assess market interest and possible delivery models. A number of credible concepts were explored, including proposals that would have supported private-sector demand and delivered value through traditional commercial arrangements.
However, as Government's discussions with the Ministry of Health progressed, it became clear that Channel House presented a unique opportunity to address a pressing public need while making effective use of an existing public asset.
Government therefore concluded that the greatest public benefit could be achieved through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities, enabling the site to support healthcare and long-term care objectives that might not otherwise be met through a commercial development model.
Channel House is an existing Government asset in an appropriate location and presents an opportunity to deliver an important piece of social infrastructure within a reasonable timeframe. Rather than allowing the property to remain underutilized, Government has determined that it should be repurposed to meet a clearly identified public need.
From a project perspective, the proposed redevelopment will involve the conversion of the building to create approximately 60 beds together with the supporting facilities and infrastructure required for safe and effective operation.
The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will oversee all aspects of project delivery, including planning, procurement, design development and construction.
Work will proceed in phases. The immediate focus will be the completion of procurement activities and the engagement of the appropriate professional and construction teams. Following that, detailed design work, construction and fit-out activities will commence, with key milestones communicated publicly as the project progresses.
Funding for the redevelopment will be provided through the Bermuda Housing Corporation, with funding already earmarked for the project. .
I look forward to working closely with my colleague, the Minister of Health, as this project moves forward.
With that, I will invite Minister Wilson to discuss the health and long-term care needs that this facility is being designed to address.
