An exciting new vision for the future of North East Hamilton has been unveiled that will help revitalise the area.

Gombey Square and Princess Gates could soon become as famous as Front Street for shopping and entertainment in the capital.

These are the names of two of 13 districts outlined in a blueprint for the regeneration for the district.

Residents took their first look at the physical plans for the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone at a meeting on Wednesday night.

The forum, at the New Testament Church of God, was the first of a series of public consultations on plans to regenerate the area.

Architects, landscape designers and planners joined Finance Minister Paula Cox and members of the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) in presenting the blueprint.

Residents and businesses are now encouraged to help shape the Draft Land Use Strategy and Design Guidelines. BSBDC general manager Michelle Khaldun said: "Everything starts with a vision.

"The next, very critical stage, is to ensure that our North East Hamilton stakeholders fully understand the vision, have the opportunity to provide feedback and most importantly, get involved.

"The Economic Empowerment Zone initiative is about providing the opportunity for Bermudians to prosper."

More than 100 people packed the church hall on Wednesday, including real estate agents and developers.

Michael Emery of 'The Design Roundtable' ¿ the group of architects, landscape designers and urban planners who aim to bring the BSBDC's socio-economic policies to life ¿ stressed that any gentrification of the area would not "disenfranchise" locals.

"The purpose of this is not to disenfranchise the residents and land owners of properties in the area.

"We are hoping you will benefit before anyone else does," he told those present.

Finance Minister Paula Cox said afterwards: "It was an excellent meeting. There are issues that we need to continue to refine and flesh out to incorporate where thought-fit issues and concerns.

"I was very pleased with the level of interest and attendance, and we must live up to the expectations ¿ a high bar has been set and we must deliver."

City of Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros said: "I think any development in any part of Hamilton which enhances the city is a positive step.

"There is an enthusiastic group working to improve the area and I think if all the parties work together and keep each other informed we can make this happen.

"The Corporation has some concerns in terms of infrastructure, such as sewage and lighting, and there were also concerns raised by the public about trash collection.

"But the city is quite capable of meeting these demands.

"We are going to work together as closely as possible, and make the city better."

The Design Roundtable has split North East Hamilton into 13 districts on a grid pattern, with each chosen for its individual character and architectural merits. The team plans to further 'beautify' the area with street art, lighting, trees and seating.

They aim to attract visitors from the city centre through gateways at the junction of Court Street with Front Street and Victoria Street.

Another suggestion is to divert the St. George's bus route through North East Hamilton along Angle Street. The public meeting also heard from real estate, banking and investment experts. Quinton Stovell and Larry Sticca discussed property valuation, development options and land surveying; BSBDC Board Member Barbara Tannock spoke on creating financial wealth and legacy; and Neville Grant of the Bank of Bermuda talked about the financial products available for commercial development within the EEZ.

The BSBDC ¿ a partnership between Government and banks to provide assistance to small businesses ¿ was mandated with establishing the Economic Empowerment Zone in March 2005. Government recently doubled its funding to $3 million to boost efforts to revitalise black entrepreneurship in the area.

There are more than 100 businesses and 20 civic establishments including churches and Government offices within North East Hamilton.

The area has a population of about 900 people within 350 households.

In May, Parliament passed the Economic Empowerment Act with cross-party support. It aims to attract new investment and business into the area through preferential borrowing rates at financial institutions, the lowest rate of payroll tax, and other incentives.

The BSBDC is also offering grants and loans of up to $10,000 to Bermudian entrepreneurs. Small Business Loans of Working Capital with no annual interest are available to fledgling businesses more than a year old. For start-ups, Small Business Grants of Technical Assistance and Advice can assist in planning, renovation or development, marketing, accounting and legal advice.

For more information on the BSBDC, to express your views or to apply for a business loan, contact: 292 5570 or email: bdasmallbusiness@gov.bm