The controversial St. George's $1 million cruise ship terminal will double up as a venue for functions.

Works & Engineering Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons made the claim while unveiling architects' drawings this week.

"We are very excited by the project, and have had a very tight time frame to get it together,'' he said.

"I would like to commend the staff of my Ministry for pulling together in this way.'' Companies have until December 7 to put in their bids for the Ordnance Island building, which is expected to be completed by May 6.

It is being built in anticipation of the St. George's-only cruise liner.

On Wednesday night, however, the project came under fire from St. George's Mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward.

He told a town meeting that the money would be better spent on something else, such as making St. George's more attractive.

The architects' drawings were shown at a Cabinet Building Press conference.

It was attended by two key people behind the venture -- American architect Mr.

Bill Leuthold, and Bermudian Mr. Kyril Burrows.

Mr. Burrows, a graduate architect, was responsible for the design.

Said Mr. Gibbons: "The building has been designed by Works and Engineering architects and engineers.'' He added: "As well as a customs and cruise ship terminal it will also serve as a functional building when the cruise ship is not there.

"It will be a place where functions can be held.'' Mr. Gibbons said the Government-funded project had won the approval of the Corporation of St. George's and the St. George's Preservation Authority.

Work on the building would be carried out in two phases, he explained.

They would involve extensive landscaping, putting in parking places, and redeveloping two-thirds of Ordnance Island.

The Sir George's Somers statue would have to be moved.

Mr. Gibbons said the terminal would have a "traditional Bermuda roof'', and access for wheelchairs.

"It will be most attractive,'' he added.

The building would incorporate, among other things, a customs area, interview room, porch, toilets and a kitchen.

Mr. Gibbons said fresh water could be brought to the dock from the reverse osmosis plant.

And sewage would be pumped out into an existing St. George's sewer, he added.

Mr. Leuthold said there would be a steel security fence running along the dock.

"Our aim is to make it as unsightly as possible.'' The terminal -- pastel coloured with Bermuda shutters -- will stand 24 feet at its highest point, taking up the southern end of Ordnance Island.