Ugly and unnecessary

Let's get straight to the point. The new building that HSBC wants to build on the former site of Triminghams is ugly. Damn ugly. And to my mind, it's unnecessary too.

I have no inherent aversion to glass and steel skyscrapers, even in Bermuda. I've argued before that, done right, they can be beautiful. I think that building up is better than building out when you live on an Island the size of ours, and I wish that the Corporation of Hamilton would get rid of its archaic height restrictions.

Front Street, however, is not the place to start. If there's one road in Hamilton that should retain its colonial charm, Front Street is it. I don't want every street in Hamilton to look like Bermudiana Road, and I suspect our tourists don't either.

That said, the bank's proposed new building doesn't even look as attractive as the Ace or Excel buildings. As best I can tell from the thumbnail artist's impressions that have appeared in the newspapers, it looks more like the new Maxwell Roberts building on the corner of Church Street and Par-La-Ville Road. It's neither modern-looking nor Bermudian-looking - just like the bank's current headquarters at Albuoy's Point.

Not only is this thing ugly, however, it's also unnecessary. Why, exactly, do we need a banking hall on Reid Street when we already have one a block away? If the bank needs more space to consolidate its staff in one building, why not extend the existing monstrosity at Albuoy's Point?

It appears that the National Trust gave the nod to the bank's plans because they weren't as bad as they could have been. Hopefully that won't be a good enough reason for the Department of Planning to approve them.

Comments

[Tiger Bay on 28.11.05 at 08:30]

I've lost a lot of respect for the National Trust who kept their mouth zipped for fear of upsetting a large corporate donor. Wrong is wrong, and this huge office building in this prime retail location is wrong for Hamilton.

Wrong for aesthetics, wrong for the preservation of a retail "downtown", and wrong for traffic flow in the city.

The gossipy word on the street is that HSBC has the greenlight to go ahead no matter the public opinion. That would be a shame for all of us, and would show who really has the power with our government. I hope it's not true.

[Somers on 28.11.05 at 09:01]

Have you seen how high the Cooper's building is going to be?? Dwarfs the surrounding buildings... NT never said boo about that old building being torn down either... But as someone mentioned in the paper a number of times - the buildings are not protected, so really, what could the NT do anyway.

[Rev. Goat on 28.11.05 at 09:12]

Who's the architect? One of Ewarts cousins? I think he's run out of brothers.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 28.11.05 at 09:40]

The architect is John Gardner.The Bermuda National Trust thought they would have more influence if they were part of the design team advisors.This was a mistake and I think they will revert to the old process of being objective critics after this experience with a one off mistake.Regarding the building...No problem if its three blocks back but right on Front street with the buildings scale and elevations.I think the design character of Front street Hamilton should be protected.Modern buildings that are developed on front street should try to reflect the scale and details of the existing buildings.I think front street will come under renewed development pressure if the port improvement scheme gets the green light.The Cooper building follows the single narrow lot foot print of the original building.Higher floors are stepped back and I think the second floor will have a porch similiar to the old building.The trouble with The Trimingham bldg is that the front street setting is about two or three times wider than the Coopers bldg hence the huge massing.I think the bank has made a serious miscalculation on this new building.One thing is certain is that it does not scale in with other buildings on Front street.Its going to be an interesting fight from this point on.

[Raptor on 28.11.05 at 09:41]

I agree with Tiger Bay: National Trust has let down the island; the building is way out of scale; retail is shot; traffic has to be worse; it is ugly; and I don't think the location makes sense anyway.

In all my travels I don't think I have ever seen buildings that are as ugly as the two existing bank buildings in Hamilton. The Bank of Bermuda building mars an exceptional site. The Bank of Butterfield building is the all-time ugliest building I've ever come across. I am amazed whenever it comes into view. Who in God's name comes up with this crap? (Ooops, bad word; sorry P).

There is no doubt Bermuda has many challenges regarding needs for space, but world-class architecture might provide some far better solutions.

This HSBC intruder looks like it's going to roll right over the smaller Bermuda buildings in front of it. All things considered, I guess that's "appropriate."

[thisgrassman on 28.11.05 at 09:58]

HSBC wants too much square footage on this site. Their architect’s are actually proposing they be granted more area than permitted under the city plan with one more additional floor than allowed – based on the notion they are delivering a building of exceptional design quality. That’s what is stated in the planning submission. Based on the public reaction the architect’s have failed miserably to deliver on this promise but this will be of little consequence as the minister is waiting to rubber stamp approvals the other side of xmas. The bank has publicly stated they are on a fast track schedule and wish to break ground in January – so it is little more than paying lip service to the planning process and “stakeholder consultation” in order to get to the appeal process and Ministerial sign off as quickly as possible.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 28.11.05 at 10:03]

I think the objectors are due a hearing.If the minister does fast track the process there could be legal fallout.Unless the objections are withdrawn I think there will be a hearing plus the planning board is not a rubber stamp body.It will be very interesting how they rule on the plan but that comes after an objectors hearing.

[jake on 28.11.05 at 10:19]

Rev. Goat - do you have any real points to make? Does being a member of Ewart's family mean a professional cannot practice their craft?

I am in favor of large buildings in hamilton and I think the height restrictions are a true farce in today's world. We can have a concession with Front Street remaining as is however, and I would support that. Other than that the significance of the Cathedral is outdated and should be behind us. We need to encourage more investment in the island, and developing the commercial market will do that.

[thisgrassman on 28.11.05 at 10:26]

The DAB has no alternative but to refuse the application because of the additional floor proposed. HSBC knows this, therefore wishes to find the path of least resistance to the minister.

These guys are not amateurs - they have neutered the National Trust who are the only entitity typically able to mobilise reasoned objections.

My money is on approval on appeal to the minister. And no doubt she will be spoon fed some gooblygook on how this design represents important precedent for sustainable development
to justify permissions to build

[Bill Cook on 28.11.05 at 10:32]

I could be wrong but I think only property owners in the city are allowed a say in opposing the building and the corporation can only object if the height obscures the cathederal.

I also think the decision has been reached with approval in principal obtained.

Banks do not seem motivated by esthetics unlike other corporate residents ie Bacardi long ago with a truly beautiful building and lawn with fountain etc. and more recent the buildings on the old Bermudiana site plus the Miles mart area.

I fully agree that Front St is completely unsuited to this insentitive add-on and could have been accommodated elsewhere.

The National Trust have wimped out on this and as a long time member I feel abandoned by them.

I was involved with a few buildings in Hamiliton and took great care to blend in with the other surrounding buildings starting with the Stables on Spurling Hill and then the proposed new Bank building at corner of Reid and Burnaby later the Tribley building on Queen St.

Interestingly the Trust back then used to award a brass plaque for preservation of traditional looks and would unceremoniously rip off this plaque if the building changed hands fearing change but today they seem to fear losing sponsorship more, how sad.

In my opinion Banks more than most should be sensitive to working in tandem with " WE THE PEOPLE" as good corporate citizens but because the thrust is not driven by local banking needs they could not care less and much that we hold dear is crushed underfoot in the name of corporate greed disguised as progress.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 28.11.05 at 11:18]

Bill the building still has to go before the planning board and members of the public do have a right of objection regardless where the building is in Bermuda.

[Bill Cook on 28.11.05 at 11:31]

Thanks Wolf,

I had thought only city tax payers could vote.

I wonder how many people know thet they have a say however.

[OnDeWata __/)__ on 28.11.05 at 11:35]

1 - That is the UGLIEST building I have ever seen (but it IS an improvement on Albouys Point!!); I know John Gardner pretty well & I hope he wasn't the actual lead-architect...
2 - The Nat. Trust should be ashamed at giving a "Stamp of Approval"; I smell a conspiracy
3 - I thought there was a platform during the recent election whereby the (now-empowered) Party PROMISED to Bermudianize...shouldn't that extend to architecture too? It WAS argued that Bermudianization would benefit us all, surely that would include at least a mild adherence to historical Bermudian architectural styles???

[tilti on 28.11.05 at 11:46]

I think there is a tendency to see the new HSBC building in a vacuum. If we all thought Triminghams was so great we should have shopped there more. If the owners loved their business they should have done more when they bought out Smith's. And if we want the Bank to build somewhere else we should come up with an alternative site.
If the building is ugly, which it is, that is probably the result of having space that is $1,000 a spuared meter. I'd want to get the most out of a capital cost like that too.

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 12:01]

The Bank of Bermuda is run by HSBC. The decision makers don't give a rats butt about what is best for Bermuda other than what's best for them. A big fat ugly tumour sitting atop an old, quaint, historic district is of no consequence to them or their lackey's. Seriously, for all the years that these people have had to determine the next step in their building growth to find they "buy out Triminghams", try to rush through planning permission, and even out-right skirt the laws, just goes to show it's all about ego's and money.

It is shameful. This is bad for Bermuda, bad for local Bermudian business and an arrogant, insensitive affront to Bermuda's needs. The example that is being set is truly outrageuos. For years and years the Bermuda Government printed the front of Trimingham's on pretty much all it's marketing materials. If the bank or anyone involved gave a hoot about Bermuda they would use this opportunity to build a new facility in the North Hamilton area and use this as a way to improve livlihoods for local Bermudians in that neighborhood.

And Jake, I'm sorry but if it's Ewart's brother he should be even more sensitive to the needs of Bermuda aesthetics and historical virtues.

[Bill Cook on 28.11.05 at 12:17]

Because Triminghams and Smiths were not so successful could be attributed to the downturn in sales and the refusal to help retailers with tax and duty breaks just as the entertainment in hotels failed with fewer tourists, and other problems.

However there is a shortage of prime retail space both for locals and our dwindling tourists, and no doubt that space at least on the first 2 floors could have been easily divided up into a series of tasteful stores and created a little much needed ambience in that strategic location.

The bank does not need to be on Front St.and would be more successfully be purposely built elsewhere.

There is much about the aquisition of this site that raises questions but the loss of that prime retail space is very troubling to Hamiliton as there is really nothing to replace it as a pleasant focal point for shoppers.

The present bank building is functional if not very attractive but seemingly could have been improved upon at considerably less expense possibly if we are looking at capital expenditure.

[Fourth Estate on 28.11.05 at 13:17]

There will probably never be another new department store in Bermuda. If HSBC cares about Bermuda as viable community, then both the Trimingham and Smith sites should be redeveloped as a modern, multifloor mall - while retaining the front street facades. The setback upper stories could then be redeveloped as office space. I think people would be less opposed to this project in the heart of our shopping district if it did not play the "banking is retail" silliness. We are mad at HSBC and Phil Butterfield for putting their egos before the community's needs, and sad that the National Trust was bought so easily.

[Copper on 28.11.05 at 13:30]

What are people objecting too?

Something new?

Front street doesn't look like it did a hundred years ago and it will be different in another hundred years from now.

Let's remember only 23 people out of 65,000 objected. So obviously it's not of a concern to most of the people.

The most expensive real estate in Bermuda is prime retail space? Are you all on drugs? Where else in the world would you put retail department stores where they would have to pay the most expensive rent on the Island? You wonder why goods cost so much, HELLO!! And of course you wouldn't put the same kind of store back in that location. Why? because there was two there and they both went out of business!! And Trimminghams honestly tried just about everything. And look at all the new stores, they are all boutique stores.

What exaclty are we missing if most of Trimminghams gets torn down? The buildings they are removing are of no architectural value. Memmories of shopping in Trimminghams? Sorry not a shopper so I can't relate.

Worried about the tourists? That boat sailed like twenty years ago!! International business is the driving force of the economy, so please stop deluding yourselfs you are doing something for the tourist. This has nothing to do with them.

As for massing? Yes it appears large as the adjacent buildings are no where near the ALLOWABLE six stories. Yes all the buildings along front street can be six stories and depending where you are even seven if you throw in some condos on top.

We don't need change for the sake of change but just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's wrong.

[thisgrassman on 28.11.05 at 13:40]

Tilti – “If the building is ugly, which it is, that is probably the result of having space that is $1,000 a spuared meter. I'd want to get the most out of a capital cost like that too”

Justifying ugliness because it is too expensive to build good design is not what enlightened patronage is about. You don’t get exceptional design with a calculator and spreadsheet and of course it is going to cost more per square foot. If the bank is serious about sponsoring a building with some architectural merit then they need to demonstrate the proper commitment to the budget

The CEO has declared his penchant for corporate steel and glass towers (phallic symbols) so why not accommodate HSBC. Corporate architecture has always been about a “pissing competition” (e.g. Ace and XL) so why resist and try to work an understanding where the public can perhaps see some benefit out of silly freudian preoccupations.

I would seriously advocate a deal where the bank is allowed to develop the Trimingham’s site within the established planning guidelines and has to maintain the existing retail square footage use so as to win development rights to be transferred to their HQ building at Albouy’s.

These development rights would allow HSBC to build a structure on this site in the spirit of a modest tower suited to that location and only if of the highest architectural standard. The new design should be put out to an international architectural competition, as they do elsewhere in the world for building projects of public significance, in order to ensure the best solution is found.

Win-Win?

3 floors of modern retail infrastructure reinstated in the most important shopping district of Hamilton, with commercial office floors above respecting the front street setback regulations and then the removal of one of the most unloved buildings in Bermuda to be replaced by a symbol of enlightened corporate patronage where a proper sustainable and green architecture points a way into the future.

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 14:11]

"And of course you wouldn't put the same kind of store back in that location. Why? because there was two there and they both went out of business!! And Trimminghams honestly tried just about everything. And look at all the new stores, they are all boutique stores." - Copper

I love when people answer their own comments.

Did Trimingham's honestly try to salvage their business? I do not think they did so at all. It didn't help that the bank kindly offered to buy their main building whilst holding the hard copy of their loan over their heads. No I think the family had just tired of being in the retail business and seeing the value of their property decided to cut bait. Which on it's own is not an unreasonable decision.

Could they have saved the business. Sure they could have. They could have closed down all stores and operations outside of the Hamilton main store by selling them off or sub-leasing the space. They could have taken the main store and divided it up in to the "boutique" businesses that are now prevalent. These could have been franchised off to long term employees. Some of the best brands were held by Trims.

The family could have effectively put themselves into the real-estate business by developing the building and adding a few floors themselves. They could have moved everything into Smiths for the duration of the build-out and then done the same with the Smith's building afterwards.

Whoever was "guiding" them during their decision process certainly didn't give good advice as to seeing if there were any viable "partners" other than the bank who would have stepped up to help them out. Even the government is suspect in this whole affair simply because of the close relationship between Ewart Brown and Phillip Butterfield.

[Nicolette on 28.11.05 at 15:11]

The proposed building gets my new label of GORGONSTROSITY – and the National Trust has betrayed the national trust and is acting like a co-opted agency. I am pleased that the two former Directors came out and attacked the current NT as that pretty much makes their stance indefensible… they would have been better off staying silent. Put a big bank on the side of town like the reinsurers are…. The tourists and locals need retail space in the heart of town – this is directly where the cruise ship visitors disembark and they don’t need a 7-storey ATM to greet them….no they need…. Gene Steede…but seriously, these designs were snuck into planning and few of us ever realized that the objection period had expired until it was too late. Something’s up and the fast-track request adds to that speculation – the sooner they tear the existing structure down, the fewer objections they will have to field. We’re being bamboozled here and it’s such an aesthetic nightmare that we have to do something or go down forever as the island of very bad taste. How can DAB turn down the people who wanted an additional floor on the Washington Mall….and even consider this? Lack of consistency….

[Fourth Estate on 28.11.05 at 15:51]

I axpect most front street land owners hope this goes through so they can build mega buildings too.

[Bill Cook on 28.11.05 at 16:00]

Copper,

You will note that Rodeo Drive Worth Avenue and 5th Ave Oxford St etc etc are some of the most expensive realty and are retail orientated.

Traditionally retail is always more expensive than office space,and is more location sensitive than office space.

Smoke you indicate the same points that I agree with and as I said there is more than meets the eye on the aquisition of this prime retail space.

Bermudians will feel this loss already this coming Christmas.

[thisgrassman on 28.11.05 at 16:06]

Limey,

You should invite Andrew Trimingham to write a guest critique to be posted for comment. He was Bermuda's self appointed, Prince Charles inspired, architectural critic some years ago - his family connection to the site could make for some interesting comment/insite?

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 16:08]

Good thing they didn't paint it pink or we'd be calling it Bermuda's new "Piggy Bank".

Maybe we should just go ahead and do so anyways.....

[jake on 28.11.05 at 16:26]

And Jake, I'm sorry but if it's Ewart's brother he should be even more sensitive to the needs of Bermuda aesthetics and historical virtues.

Even the government is suspect in this whole affair simply because of the close relationship between Ewart Brown and Phillip Butterfield. - smoking gun

They are brothers. It is not a secret, nor is it relevant. I know it is Monday, and Monday is typically plp conspiracy day, but give yourself a rest. EB is not connected to the Planning Department and even if he were, he would have to recuse himself. It places no special obligation on Phil as he is a private citizen who owes no special anything to any of us.

Unless that is you were an advocate for the many UBP families who in the past and STILL receive the bulk of the spending that the Government doles out. I guess their special obligations slipped your mind.

[Nicolette on 28.11.05 at 16:40]

Let's not forget that we had decades of deals going on between many people where there should have been more diligence over the years. Unfortunately many of us were school age when those shenanigans took place and the nepotism was rife.... the very behaviours that allowed those from white, wealthy backgrounds to skate through life and up ladders women and minorities never saw and now we all have to face the consequences of fast-tracking the lazy, arrogant and intellectually mediocre privileged sons. We have settled for a lower standard and this must not be allowed to continue.... our Front Street needs a world class design... it's the future postcard by which we'll be recognised.

[silencedogood on 28.11.05 at 16:41]

Jake,

I think he raises the issue to point out the possibility of corruption. I'm sure there are many instances of corruption through nepotism with the UBP.

I have heard from people in the planning department that the "personal reasons" cited by the outgoing Director of Planning Rudolph Hollis related to a meddling Ewart Brown. See the press release:
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051031/NEWS/110310162&SearchID=73227859747559

That's my contribution to the Monday conspiracy pool. Enjoy. ;)

[thisgrassman on 28.11.05 at 16:50]

conspiracy contribution..........one of the objection letters on file at planning claims Alan Burland is a member of the National Trust - is this true?

mmmmmmmmm.......BCM McAlpine have been awarded the contract to build the project

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 16:52]

Jake, as Nicolette pretty much states, two wrongs do not make a right. And I'm not even going to say that that's what's happening because I personally do not forgive the past injustices. But in this day and age there is just too much at stake to allow things to just get jammed through such as this and it's time all Bermudians joined together and made an honest effort to act in a way that benefits the whole not the few.

And to say it is not relevent is a little naive. There seems to be quite a few things going on that Ewart and Phil are "playing" major roles in. It's quite amazing that they have time to do their day jobs considering how many irons they have in the fire - so to speak - that ultimately may benefit them personally directly or indirectly.

[jake on 28.11.05 at 17:35]

Philip Butterfield EARNED his position as CEO of the Bank of Bermuda. It being the largest banking institution in Bermuda is it a surprise that he has significant and widespread involvement in the island?

The typical "two wrongs don't make a right"

What is the wrong he is doing now? Having a brother?

He is seeking to build a building and people don't like the design - fair enough - the same thing happened with the LOM building, but no one accused them of corruption merely because he was in business and family members were in Government. Wait. I know. If we put the UBP in Government there would be no allegation against Phil. No wait. Let's fire Phil right now, because hey - being related to a Govt. Minister MUST be a crime.

Unless there is some basis for this allegation I am going to suggest you withdraw it. If you have a basis - declare your evidence now.

Why is it ok to slime over a man who has earned the top job and is doing that job? He is the CEO of the Bank.

If there was some basis for sliming Phil it could be fair comment, but where is it?

I asked before, and now I know the answer: under what circumstances can blacks expect to be treated in a fair manner:

Education: check
Overseas experience: check
Promotion on the basis of achievement: check
Promotion by other white people: check
No political affiliation: check
Good at job: check
Brother in politics: uh...we may have a problem here.

If Phil Butterfield does not pass muster with you all, then this is a side show and always has been.

[ace on 28.11.05 at 17:46]

It seems all of the "black helicopters" have lifted off and are now circling over HSBC.

Phil Butterfield answers to a Board of Directors in the UK. Period. Not to Ewart...not to the PLP.

HSBC is a bank. They took over the Trimmingham's property as it was the security for the debt of the company.

HSBC is NOT in the business of running retail businesses...they don't WANT to be involved in lease dispuits, rental reviews, etc etc etc...they are a bank.

I'll tell you what.....if anyone here can come up with $24,000,000 HSBC will sell you that property in a heartbeat. Come on!! You could be the next retail KINGS of Bermuda...revive tourism in one fell swoop etc.

Anyone?

[NoVote on 28.11.05 at 17:50]

So........where's all this taking us?

My natural inclination is for progress; although I do place considerable value on aesthetics and the preservation of heritage.

I grew up in Hong Kong through the 70's, 80's and 90's and watched the transformation of that city's architecture as it moved from a quaint colonial style to the awesome skyline that exists today.

Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However - like The Limey - I believe that progress has made HK's skyline one of the most remarkable spectacles on earth.

I do nevertheless respect the fact that not everyone will agree with me here, and certainly only a limited amount of HK's architectural heritage has been preserved.

I have found it difficult to get a full appreciation of what HSBC have planned for Front Street, as the pictures that I've seen published in the press are a little unclear, and they seem to emphasise the facade at the front rather than the main structure of the building behind it.

What I have seen (plus a little extrapolation) reminded me though not of HK, but rather another Asian city, Singapore.

If anybody is wondering what Front Street might look like in 20 years time, then click on my pseudonym at the end of this posting. It will direct you via a url link to an image of modern day Boat Quay: a place which occupies a very similar place in Singapore's history and development as Front Street has for Bermuda.

I'm undecided if this kind of progress is a good thing or not for Bermuda, but this is where it's going!

NoVote...

P.S. In two subsequent post I've placed links in the same manner to pictures of Boat Quay and Front Street, respectively, circa 1920's. I think that you'll find the similarities interesting.

[Nicolette on 28.11.05 at 17:51]

To clarify, I have no objection to PB and that was not the intent of my post - I was trying to say that let's not start freaking out because two powerful men are brothers because that's been the status quo ever since I was born....and I will venture further to say that if Bank of Bermuda had not become HSBC - PB would never have had a chance in hell at being COO under the past structure... nor would any woman. However, that doesn't mean I will quietly stand by and allow the erection of an aesthetic travesty... I may have to be noisy.

[NoVote on 28.11.05 at 17:51]

Per my previous post - click on my pseudonym for link to image of Boat Quay circa 1900.

[NoVote on 28.11.05 at 17:53]

Per my previous post - click on my pseudonym for link to image of Front Street early 1900's.

[Nicolette on 28.11.05 at 17:55]

Ace - I'm not so sure - they never offered the site up after foreclosure... I'm not so sure it's for sale...there would have been takers.

[Cancundreaming on 28.11.05 at 18:04]

I'm not a National Trust member, never have been to a meeting, and i don't know a person who is actively involved, but i don't think the criticism of the NT is warranted, well no, i think it might be, but before we criticize the NT, i think we must look at ourselves, all of us, WE, (Bermudians) are the ones that allowed HSBC to buy BoB a venerable institution, then allowed BoB(HSBC) to buy Triminghams (&Smiths), of the few who complained, even opposed it, most of it was cursory opposition, many of us only cared insofar as we were able to still make our tee times, watch young and the restless, and get in our normal 2 hours of WoW, we are the people who of course spend millions of dollars overseas which isn't helping the retail industry here at home.

I'm not suggesting that any of this could have even been prevented, or that individuals shouldn't seek the lowest price available to them, my point is that, while the NT may be to blame, so are ALL of us, collectively are to blame. As it’s said you’ve got to dance with the girl who brung ya, and HSBC is taking us for a Waltz…

[Nicolette on 28.11.05 at 18:16]

WE did not allow this purchase to happen - many of us were against it and Government changed the law in this instance to allow the sale. This was "management override"... not the will of the people. Now... many Bank of Bermuda shareholders did vote for the sale because it lined their pockets, none so much as the old guard and you are correct Cancun...they should be held partially responsible. And if 2 former directors come out against the NT, shouldn't they be listened to?

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 18:33]

I may have to be noisy. And Nosey.

Nicolette - your response to Ace is also true. The site was never offered for re-sale by the bank. And Ace - $24 mil is not whole lot of money considering the size and location of the site and it's delevopment potential. One could do quite a bit with that site that would get a very decent return on the investment.

And Jake - no-one is calling anyone corrupt but I certainly am going to call all involved on the carpet as to why there needs to be a rush, why are rules ignored, why is the bank destroying a valuable and prime retail sector, why wasn't our government more concerned about the bigger picture over the bigger bank. There are a ton of why's to ask and if it all leads back to a few individuals who happen to have tunnel vison then I personally would like to know why.

In this day and age you had better have all your ducks in a row or else someone's going to come hunting for the answers. EB & PB are powerful enough players and they know that better than anyone and if their reputations get dinged because they allowed HSBC to run slip-shod over Bermuda then quite frankly I don't give a damn.

[Ethiops on 28.11.05 at 18:45]

Architectural monstrosity bring it on…Something to throw dogs doots @
In comparison to Bermuda Hong Kong’s skyline sucks. The thought of so many high buildings is vomiting material.

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 19:04]

No Vote - Thank you for the links to the photo's. I couldn't imagine Bermuda would ever want to have anything like the Singapore or Hong Kong skylines.

On the grounds of tourism alone people would just look at Bermuda as another mini New York City, something they'd rather like to get away from. Places like Singapore and Hong Kong sit amidst huge quantities of people so they need to go up, our infrastructure is so minute compared to their's that the quality of life in Bermuda would be abysmal. As it is, try to go anywhere in Bermuda and see if you can spend one minute without some kind of man-made interference and you'd be hard pressed. You'd have to swim miles out to sea.

Your pictures prove a point. The rapid development in Bermuda over the past ten or so years is pushing our limits already. We should be restrictive and question everything because if we drop the ball then we only have one question to answer to from our kids. Why?

[observor on 28.11.05 at 19:32]

Jake

"the same thing happened with the LOM building, but no one accused them of corruption merely because he was in business and family members were in Government"

Which family members are you referring to ??

[observor on 28.11.05 at 19:39]

Nicolette

“I will venture further to say that if Bank of Bermuda had not become HSBC - PB would never have had a chance in hell at being COO under the past structure... nor would any woman”

Wasn’t PB hired well before the sale to HSBC occurred?

“Now... many Bank of Bermuda shareholders did vote for the sale because it lined their pockets, none so much as the old guard”

Such as? I’m aware of a few so called old guard shareholders who felt the price was too low and communicated as much to HB.

[NoVote on 28.11.05 at 19:40]

Smoking Gun: You may be right. I like HK, but the world only needs one.

Am personally not sure what the right approach to development in Bermuda is, although I'm inclined to think that up is better than out, simply because there seems to be a two storey building on every patch of green space in Bermuda. If this continues, we'll have no green space left.

My main reason for posting the links to the pictures was to show the attempt that Singapore has undertaken to protect some of its historic buildings.

To me the Boat Quay facade in front of those modern buildings looks kind of strange. I fear that we may end up with something similar, as the first six feet back from Front Street is protected for heritage reasons - the rest is apparently not.

[NoVote on 28.11.05 at 19:45]

Phil Butterfield was hired by BoB more than a year before the acquisition by HSBC. He was previously at Citibank in New York, and conspiracy theorists within BoB have suggested that he was actually implanted by Citibank with BoB's agreement on a 'secondment' to pave the way for Citibank to acquire BoB. Some say that when Citibank didn't buy BoB, PB just got stuck there. Who knows if it's true, but it's an interesting theory!

[Little boy in Emperor's new clothes on 28.11.05 at 19:45]

Dumb question.
If Phil Butterfield and Ewart Brown are brothers why do they different last names? Are they half brothers? (same mom?)

[ace on 28.11.05 at 19:56]

"Ace - I'm not so sure - they never offered the site up after foreclosure... I'm not so sure it's for sale...there would have been takers."

Takers for what...that termite infested rabbit warren? I doubt it, very much.

HSBC was not about to sell that property for less than the value of the loans and no-one in their right mind would pay that kind of money for retail based space the way it is now. It just doesn't make economic sense.

[SmokingGun on 28.11.05 at 19:58]

No Vote - I agree we need to go up, and no doubt some buildings can very easily afford an extra floor or two. In fact if the Bank of Bermuda/HSBC were to get "air" rights over abutting buildings to Trimingham's I think they could get away with building along Front Street. By just going up two floors and set back so as to not be seen from street level they could even help the over-all area by infusing cash into the current retail buildings. The important thing would be to make sure the retail levels remain fully utilized for just that.

But I don't think that would serve their purpose of having some grandiose monstrosity with a big HSBC sign flashing their dominant presence in Bermuda. Otherwise they'd be building in the back of town.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 28.11.05 at 20:01]

I do not think the deal is as clean as everyone thinks....Smiths site is under seperate ownership and considering building a new bldg.I think the bank are in partnership with Bermudian bulding owners re Triminghams...please correct me if I am wrong.