It was established more than 400 years ago and is the historic heart of Bermuda – deemed so internationally important that it was designated as a world heritage site by Unesco.
But as the years have rolled on, so has progress and St George’s has had to cope with the dual demands of preserving its heritage while also juggling the needs of a modern world.
But can the two work together in a mutually beneficial way?
Local businessman Dennie O’Connor believes they can.
“The truth about preservation versus modernisation isn’t about choosing one over the other – it’s about understanding their symbiotic relationship,” said Mr O’Connor.
Protecting our history – and looking to the future
The owner of The White Horse Pub and Restaurant in the Olde Towne added: “Historical authenticity isn’t just a nostalgic luxury; it’s an irreplaceable economic engine.
“When St George’s limestone walls tell stories of 400 years of history, they’re not just preserving the past – they’re creating value that no modern development could replicate.
“The most successful approach is one where modern amenities are thoughtfully woven into the historical fabric, like threads that strengthen an ancient tapestry without disturbing its pattern.
“In this way, preservation becomes not just about maintaining old buildings but about cultivating an asset that appreciates with every passing year – something increasingly rare in our rapidly modernising world.”
He added: “After all, anyone can build a new hotel or shopping centre, but no one can recreate four centuries of authentic history. That’s St George’s true competitive advantage in a world where authenticity is becoming the ultimate luxury.”
Meeting modern-day challenges
The challenges of balancing preservation and modernisation are complex, said Mr O’Connor, with practical challenges including: limited funding for maintaining historic structures; balancing preservation with modern amenities; rising costs of traditional materials and skilled craftspeople and climate-related challenges affecting historical structures.
He said a successful balance required prioritising structures based on historical significance, implementing adaptive reuse strategies that preserve historical character while allowing modern functionality, creating buffer zones between strictly preserved areas and flexible development zones, and involving local stakeholders in preservation decisions.
“In terms of footfall and economic value, the most valuable approach combines preservation and modernisation.
“Preservation should be viewed as an asset that adds value to modern development, creating a seamless blend where modern amenities support historical preservation,” added Mr O’Connor.
Making good use of our historic buildings
Dr Charlotte Andrews, the head of cultural heritage at Bermuda National Trust, said it was wrong to suggest that protecting heritage meant being against modernisation and that two could work together.
“Often, we think of heritage as a place, a thing, a time. But heritage is living, and I think St Georges is a perfect example of that.
“In fact, the value as a Unesco site is based upon being a continuously inhabited town with related forts, so a living town, a maritime town, a military town.”
She said that there were multiple layers of protection through planning requirements, St George preservation areas and listed building status.
“If the historic fabric just sits empty, and we have a lot of ruinous buildings, we should be interested in the conservation and preservation of that fabric. What’s a sustainable use of that site? What invites a new layer in its history?
“Who’s in that building right now? What are they doing? What’s their passion? What motivated them to restore it or rent it?
“So, you’re adding a heritage layer, it’s like an archaeological site. You’re adding another layer,” Dr Andrews said.
Managing change
One of the biggest modernisation issues is the installation of solar panels, which the Corporation of St George is treating on a case-by-case basis.
Quinnell Francis, the Mayor, said the Corporation was looking at how other Unesco world heritage were dealing with solar panels, but the general policy was that they should not obscure the historic nature of a property and not be visible from a main road.
She said the Corporation also worked closely with property owners to keep the historic wooden look or unique building features but by using different materials.
“We want to see people take pride in their properties, the historic value, the uniqueness of our architecture,” said Ms Francis, who added that the Corporation had collaborated closely with architects on solutions.
Sometimes, however, it is not about modernisation and sometimes it is just the way it looks now that is the main draw.
Ms Francis said: “Talking to visitors from the St Regis hotel, they have noted that walking into the town is a great way to see things.
“They have been able to walk around and enjoy the scenery of the town, enjoy everything, and they say ‘don’t change anything’.”
