The Fairmont Southampton redevelopment has “kicked off, with shovels in the ground at the Beach Club site this past week and preliminary preparations under way for the hotel renovation,” Westend Properties announced.
“The steps we’ve taken at the Fairmont Southampton property this week have been groundbreaking – literally – and are significant, tangible signs of our commitment to this redevelopment and to the people of Bermuda,” said Karim Alibhai, founder of Gencom. “We are so excited to be moving ahead with this much-anticipated project.”
A spokesperson said, “Westend and its managing partner, Gencom, are very pleased to share this update on the important milestones reached so far as well as an estimated timeline for those to come.
“Work is commencing on a number of areas at the Fairmont Southampton site with the goal of maximizing efficiencies and reopening as much as possible, as soon as possible.
“For instance, at the Waterlot Inn, Bermuda-based Atlantic Mooring will be removing the old dock and installing new dock decking beginning in early March. Local contractor BCM Construction will be responsible for the interior renovations at the restaurant. We are aiming to once again welcome locals and visitors to Waterlot – as well as boats to the dock – as early as this summer.
“Progress is also being made at the Beach Club, where BCM Construction had men and equipment on site this week to begin the necessary demolition work. This phase of the project will be followed by the construction of the new space. The Beach Club is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025.”
“We’re so pleased to report that Ennismore – a leading global lifestyle and leisure hospitality company and a joint venture with Accor, the owner of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – will operate the revitalised Beach Club when it reopens,” said Alessandro Colantonio, Chief Investment Officer at Gencom.
“The revamped Club is going to be spectacular,” he continued. “As we previously announced, it will feature a number of updated amenities, including a resort-style pool, a new restaurant with a fabulous menu, private cabanas, change huts, beach front loungers, a spacious events lawn and a watersports centre. It’s sure to quickly become a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.”
A spokesperson said, “At the main hotel, model rooms have been completed and purchasing plans for the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [FF&E] are in progress. The hotel construction is expected to take approximately 20 months. A phased reopening is planned, beginning with all the public spaces and more than 50% of the guest rooms in use before the end of 2025.
“Finally, Insulcon Construction has started working on upgrades to the employee housing and BCM Construction will be starting the necessary survey work and utility trench layout in the weeks to come.
“As mentioned above, a significant number of the companies involved in this project are Bermuda-based companies – in addition to Atlantic Mooring, BCM Construction and Insulcon Construction, local firms On-Site Engineering, Performance Construction and architectural consultant HDH Ltd. are on board. It’s currently estimated that approximately 200 jobs will be created for local talent through the renovation of the hotel and Beach Club. The balance of the redevelopment team consists of contractors and designers who have worked with Gencom in the past.”
“We are tremendously excited to share the news of these initial steps and would like to thank the Government of Bermuda, the Bermuda Industrial Union and the local community for their ongoing support,” Mr. Alibhai continued. “We look forward to the beginning of the overhaul of the hotel in the weeks ahead.”
