The co-owner and director of the Swiss Hotel School (SHS) in Ferndale has welcomed the clearing of an illegally occupied property next door, saying the development marks a turning point for the area and opens the door to exciting expansion plans for the school.

Stephen Hickmore, whose institution sits just next door to the property on the corner of Main and Bond streets, said staff, students and neighbours had been aware of the problems at the adjacent site for many years and had worked alongside police, ward councillors and the broader community to have the land secured and the occupants removed through the proper legal channels.

“We are delighted that the efforts of the community have paid off,” Hickmore said. “We can look forward to the new developments that are planned.”

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He said the school had been fortunate that its safety was never compromised during the occupation, crediting robust on-site security measures including cameras, electric fencing and a culture of general awareness among staff. Cable theft in the surrounding area had, however, been a concern, and keeping students safe had remained a priority throughout.

“Because of the nature of the occupation, we were aware that there was a danger,” he said. “As members of the community, we lobbied to have the land secured and the illegal occupants removed.”

Hickmore expressed confidence in the new landlord, saying the school had been consulted throughout the demolition process and was satisfied that every legal requirement had been observed.

He added that the buildings on the property had been brought down swiftly, which the school community viewed as a positive step forward.

“We have no concerns about the process of demolition, and we know the new landlord well,” he said. “We are happy that the level of security in place ensures there is only an upside to this.”

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Looking ahead, Hickmore said the new ownership of the adjacent site had already opened conversations about a joint development that would see the Swiss Hotel School expand onto part of the land.

The plans include new facilities for the school’s Institute of Hospitality Management and Institute of Culinary Arts, as well as a Graduate School intended to serve more young people in the years to come.

“Our learners are very excited about the changes and progress next door,” he said. “With the new landlord, we have plans to develop a graduate school and additional facilities for SHS.

There is a very positive vibe here, and we look forward to helping to upgrade the community and have facilities that we can be proud of.”

Hickmore paid tribute to everyone involved in bringing the matter to a resolution, saying the collaboration between councillors, police and the new landlord had resulted in an outcome that the Ferndale community could look forward to with real optimism.

“The landlord has plans for the site that will add so much to the area,” he said. “We can look forward to a beautiful space that the Ferndale community can truly be proud of. We really appreciate the efforts of the local councillors, police and the new landlord in ensuring that the eviction was handled with all legal processes considered.”

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