Club Med will be imploded this summer, Works Minister Derrick Burgess confirmed last week.

It will mean a clean site can be handed over to developer Bazarian International on December 31, 2008 ahead of the creation of a multi-million dollar Park Hyatt hotel, residence complex and golf course.

The move will finally end a deadlock on the derelict facility which has been a source of frustration for St. George's residents since Club Med closed in 1988.
"Government has agreed that a clean site will be handed over to Bazarian International by 31 December, 2008. That is, the former Club Med site must be demolished," said Mr. Burgess in a statement.

"Demolition of the dormitories is nearly complete. The Ministry of Works and Engineering, mindful of the size of the main hotel building and timelines for the construction of a new hotel, was faced with the question as to whether demolition of the main hotel building should occur via traditional techniques or via implosion.

"After careful consideration, it was agreed that the main hotel building would be imploded, with a summer 2008 implosion date."

St. George's Foundation chairman Henry Hayward last night described the announcement as "great news" but refused to get carried away.

"Like everybody in St. George's, I have heard this so many times. I have sort of got to the point that I will believe it when I see it," said Mr. Hayward.

"If it does take place, and hopefully it will, then it's a beginning. It's been 20 years now. St. George's desperately needs the development of that property.

"I'm sure everybody down here would be happy when it happens. Now it's up to Government to stick to their word and for the developer to come in and get the job done."

Former Mayor E. Michael Jones had more confidence, saying he was willing to "stake his life" on it going ahead.

"I would suggest everyone heads there on the day with their cameras because I certainly will be there with mine," said Mr. Jones.

"This project will occur. You have a developer who's extremely experienced, he has an excellent track record of producing and developing property.

Government is obviously motivated. All the right things are falling into place."
Mid Ocean News speculated an implosion may be planned, and reported residents calling for assurances there would be no particles in the air which could affect people, water tanks or roofs.

Responding, Mr. Burgess said: "We wish to dispel the reported concerns of East End residents with respect to the planned implosion of the building.

"Public safety is of paramount importance to the Government. There will be close consultation with the people of St. George's, including their Parliamentary representatives and the Corporation of St. George, as the implosion date approaches.

"Residents will be apprised of measures that will ensure their personal safety, the safety of their homes and grounds.

"In fact, protection of homes, other buildings and fortifications is a major priority for the very experienced US-based demolition company whose representatives, along with representatives of the Ministry, will visit each household in the Club Med area before implosion occurs."

The Minister added that all asbestos would be removed from the site before implosion, and local contractors will remove debris and rubble as soon as it is safe to do so. Asbestos will be taken to the Government Quarry for storage in conditions approved by the Ministry of Health.

A committee overseeing the demolition includes representatives from Works and Engineering, Environmental Health, Bermuda Police Service, the Fire and Rescue Service. Public information meetings will be held to advise residents of specific arrangements.