A multi-million dollar cottage colony renovation is set to go ahead -- if Government grants a concession package to the owners of the property.

The owners of the Surf Side Beach Club plan to pump $5 million into the South Shore property -- providing they are successful in getting a Hotels Concession Order.

Their application for tax and other financial incentives has already been made to the special committee set up and headed by Tourism Minister David Allen, and they are now awaiting the green light.

Planning permission has also already been granted and workmen are ready to break ground once the order is passed by the House of Assembly.

Hotels Concession Orders give deferments or breaks on taxes such as payroll, occupancy or drinks duty.

Surf Side managing partner Neville Mehra said they were showing faith in the tourism industry and hoped Government would return the favour.

"We are investing in the Island, we are looking for the Government to invest in us,'' he said.

"We have made a commitment, they have made a commitment, we hope they will live up to it.

"It is a very large commitment, we are looking for Government to back us with some sort of concessions. It makes economic sense to us, most hotel owners are looking for some sort of return on capital.

"I doubt very much (whether it would have gone ahead) without it because there is no incentive for us, we need to see some sort of future for tourism there.'' Surf Side general manager Bryony Harvey said the plans include building three new bedroom units and renovating other cottages on the estate.

The work -- which is the first major additions since 1971 -- will take the room total from 37 to 46, giving Surf Side around 92 beds.

Mr. Mehra said the work will ensure the units are of a "five star'' quality.

In the last year, the accommodations has completed a restaurant on site, where before it had a coffee shop.

It may take up to 18 months to complete the project.

Mr. Mehra said the plans -- which had been on hold following the purchase by him and another Washington D.C. businessmen last April -- would boost the services on offer.

"We have committed a considerable amount of capital to improve both the property and giving better product. We are trying to improve the interior and exterior,'' he said.