The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE developers behind Eleuthera’s French Leave resort yesterday said they hope to start construction on another four hotel cottages this May, estimating that investment in the project will hit $10-$12 million by year’s end.

Eddie Lauth, chief executive of Shaner Capital, the financing arm of principal French Leave developer, the Shaner Corporation, said the first three “authentically Bahamian” cottages were now complete, and the developers were expecting to have power linked to the site within three to four weeks.

“We have the first there hotel cottages completed. We’e hoping to have the power from BEC on-site in a couple of weeks. The construction of the 1648 Bar & Grill, the fresh water pool, the wedding pavilion, the fitness and the reception gift shop are all on schedule right now for a quite opening of November 1,” said Mr Lauth.

“We’re also hoping to begin construction on French Leave South Beach, with an additional four hotel cottages beginning on the ocean side this coming May. Our intentions are that once we are completed with the commercial area, to continue to build south on the French Leave Harbour Village side and to begin construction of an additional five cottages on the seafront as well.

“On the seafront, our goal in phase I is to have 11 of the cottages there, and then we have room for an additional 20-plus on the site there. The approval was for 37 hotel cottages in total.”

Mr Lauth said $8 million had been invested in the development to-date, with that figure set to hit $10-$12 million by the end of the year. Eleuthera-based contractor, Brad’s United, is leading French Leave’s construction.

Mr Lauth said the development’s marketing campaign is set to kick-off on April 1.

“The sales team is lined up. We have a had a lot of interest via social media, the Facebook page and the website. We are cautiously optimistic. For the people have come by for some private tours. What we have built and developed has exceeded their expectations,” said Mr Lauth.