Centre could have been used for activities for youngsters, the Senate heard.

Opposition Sen. Neletha Butterfield was speaking after Sen. Larry Scott (UBP) said it was unfortunate that the Government was having to pay for the running facility twice.

Contractors will move into replace the track -- which has suffered problems with its surface since 1996 -- in the summer, with the hope that it will finally bring the episode to a conclusion.

The cost of the work is likely to exceed $1 million and will have to come from public funds since the company that laid the track has now closed.

Sen. Butterfield said: "It is a lot of money. It is unfortunate to have to pay out that money -- we could do a lot with that money for computers.'' The annual report on the National Sports Centre quoted a previous report that said the most likely reasons for the failure of the track were; poor preparation, application during rainy weather and a surface of a lesser quality than specification.

On Friday, Sen. Scott said there was no recourse to the original contractors and it was something that the Government was going to have to absorb.

"Even before they went out of business we had problems and they came back to repair it.'' Officials are to ensure that this time the track is laid in the driest months of the year and will include drains to reduce the potential for water to find its way underneath the surface.

The report states: "The trustees of the NSC are committed to providing the country with a sports, entertainment and recreation facility in which all Bermudians take pride. Our mandate has been to build a facility to offer as wide a range of activity as possible for the broadest cross-section of our community.'' Up to the end of the financial year in 1997, the centre generated a surplus of $257,000, but reported the demolition of the Bermuda College's Roberts Avenue campus cost $238,935 - with an additional $171,202 for asbestos removal. In addition new stadium lighting cost $213,981.

Developing a master plan for the entire site required a complete survey which cost $37,168, and also involved visits by trustees, architects and advisors to sites in western Canada.

The main complex -- which includes pools, reception and a gymnasium -- will be as attractive and unobtrusive as possible.

The trustees also decided that local firms should be involved in the project and stated that any major segment of the scheme costing $100,000 or more should be put out to tender.

OFF TRACK -- Tenders have been invited for the relaying of the National Stadium's track (above left). The buildings at right have been demolished since this aerial photograph was taken.

Graphic file name: STADDERS