By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE US Embassy in Nassau yesterday confirmed reports that it was searching for a new property to relocate its downtown outpost.

Embassy Spokesperson Neda Brown told The Tribune that the mission would remain at its Queen St location until a new property was secured and a new embassy built.

“We are currently in the process of seeking property suitable for a new embassy,” Ms Brown said, responding to questions from The Tribune.

“We will remain at our current location on Queen Street until a property is secured and a new embassy is built.”

The embassy did not confirm the reason for the planned relocation.

It was rumoured that the American embassy was searching for a new property after China Construction America (CCA) purchased the British Colonial Hilton and broke ground on a neighbouring luxury development, The Pointe.

However, a well-placed source refuted the speculation and explained that the embassy’s operations had outgrown its current location.

“(The embassy) has outgrown the current location and are looking to stay in the downtown area,” the source said.

“This has nothing to do with the Chinese. It’s a standard move. The process to build a new embassy takes a very long time and a move is not going to happen for another several years.”