Sun exclusive: Dockyard's spectacular makeover plans

Eye-opener: This is what the future could hold for Dockyard’s Victualling Yard. A new vision, created by local firm Wilson Allen Architecture and Interior Design, features a condo hotel, an all-weather entertainment venue and a spectacular, over-arching glass roof. *Images courtesy of Wilson Allen Architecture and Interior Design 

An over-arching glass roof would ‘enclose and protect’ the historic structures in a design plan by local firm Wilson Allen Architecture and Interior Design. It was chosen from a shortlist of four by the West End Development Company board. 

WEDCo and the Bermuda-based development team will now begin work on the feasibility of the project as part of a six month Memorandum of Understanding.

He added: “We are still in the very early stages of this process. A lot of work was put in by the various groups that submitted proposals for the Victualling Yard and on behalf of the board and WEDCo management I would like to thank them for all their efforts. Now that the board has made a selection we have to work through the process to see if there is the feasibility of this becoming a reality. Financing is a major part of that.”

The Wilson Allen scheme is designed to create an all-weather venue and an ‘iconic, innovative and internationally recognized structure’.

Developers say the new contemporary roof design has been created to ‘respect and celebrate’ the existing structures. It has also been designed to look like an upturned hull.

Large event space

The new development would offer year-round al-fresco dining and a large event space in Bermuda that could be used by everyone from handcart vendors to full scale performances.

Concert venue: Wilson Allen’s vision for the Victualling Yard includes an all-weather venue that could host major music events. *Images courtesy of Wilson Allen Architecture and Interior Design 

It would also include a condo hotel, retail as well as food and beverage outlets and managed offices. Mr Dias said: “The concept itself is very flexible. There is a hotel condo site that could have between 50 and 90 rooms.

“The relationship between the historic structures and the new additions and how they tie together is also an important feature.

“A lot of nuances will need to be looked at in the coming months. But the idea of entombing and preserving these historic structures while making a significant addition to the Dockyard product was an important factor.”

Preserving the past: An over-arching glass roof design would enclose and protect the existing historic structures that surround the Victualling Yard in Dockyard. *Images courtesy of Wilson Allen Architecture and Interior Design 

The final decision was made last week, but an announcement could not be made until all four of the finalists had been informed. Mr Dias said: “We did have a lot of interest for this project, which is obviously a good sign.

“One was a hotel from a potential overseas developer while another proposal was more driven towards entertainment.

“This one has the potential to be a major development for Bermuda and the west end but we need to go through the proper process.

“It is important to protect and celebrate our existing historic structures.”

While Wilson Allen is the ‘team leader’ in the project, the initiative is also supported by D&J Construction Co, BAS Group Solutions, Fireminds Ltd and Harbourside Holdings. 

Bermuda’s Louvre? The glass roof design of the proposed development has been based around the shape of an upturned ship’s hull and the movement of ocean waves.  *Images courtesy of Wilson Allen 

The next steps in the scheme...

There are still plenty of hurdles that need to be negotiated before the Wilson Allen vision for the Victualling Yard becomes a reality.

WEDCo initially asked for ‘Expressions of Interest’ for potential development ideas for the Victualling Yard last August. A total of 11 submissions were received and by January they were whittled down to four finalists, who all made presentations to the WEDCo board.

The decision to enter a six-month Memorandum of Understanding with Wilson Allen was made just last week.

If the project progresses well, the developers will go back to the WEDCo board to make another presentation.

If at any time over the next six months the project proves to be unsustainable, the WEDCo will revert to the second- placed idea and begin the process again.

If the board choose to support the Wilson Allen project, a paper will have to be prepared for Cabinet and legislation drawn up. Once that has been completed, the project will have to go through the regular planning process before construction can begin.