A developer has been given in-principle approval to create an urban farm in an unused office building in the City of Hamilton. Bermuda Vertical Technologies proposed internal modifications to the derelict seven-story Victoria Hall to introduce vertical farming.
According to planning documents, approval for the plans was granted this summer with the recommendation of a delegated report. The report writer said that the proposed change of use and internal conversion complied with the policies and objectives of the 2015 City of Hamilton Plan.
“The applicant has laid out an appropriate plan, which includes a large production area on each floor for growing crops, distribution and packaging facilities and service entry for distributing goods,” the report said.
“As the application is solely for in-principle approval, the proposed change of use is compliant with the objectives and policies of the City Plan and will be a significant start in realigning Bermuda’s sustainable food production priorities. “As such, it would also be a flagship for Bermuda’s future agricultural production.”
According to the plans, solar panels would be installed on the roof and southern face, the interior would be completely stripped to bare concrete, and new walls, plus floors and columns would be waterproofed.
Read the entire piece at Royal Gazette