Workers at ACE Ltd.'s new global headquarters worked over Cup Match to make sure the building is in shape for the grand opening on Thursday.

Premier Jennifer Smith will perform the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new building followed by a teatime reception.

The multi-million dollar project was started in 1998, and will be completed this week.

"We are delighted by the Bermudian features of the ACE global headquarters and are pleased that the building is in keeping with local architecture," said ACE spokeswoman Wendy Davis Johnston. "The building has been painted different colours to break up the building and give it a Bermuda cottage-style."

One of the most interesting features about the building, which is located on half the site of the old Bermudiana Hotel - the other half is occupied by insurance rival XL Capital Ltd., is the tidal clock.

The clock, which has not yet been installed in the building's tower, will face south and west and will be filled with blue liquid which will move up and down with the tide and can be seen from the harbour. Above this will be a four-sided clock.

In the main entrance hall, called the "globe room", the floor is a map of the world in black and white marble, with a stainless steel Bermuda at its centre.

Not built yet are two fountains that will decorate the entrance way and the space between the two insurance giant's buildings.

The main board room looks west towards Dockyard and has a handmade ornamental carpet with pictures of Neptune's head at each of the room's two entrances.

There is a purpose built mother's room for nursing mothers and a creche for employees' children.

There will also be an art gallery on the ground floor, plus a canteen and executive dining rooms. Outside there is a an enormous barbecue with a terracotta chimney a story high.

All the meeting rooms in the four story building, which now houses ACE's 162 staff, have been given historical Bermudian names.

The fourth floor is the executive floor, with the two most senior managers having large offices with views of the harbour.

If the company expands, there is space at the rear of the building - where floodlit tennis, basketball and netball courts are to be placed - for a Phase Two.

A spokesperson for ACE said: "The foundation and service facilities for Phase Two have also been completed should be need to build in the future. Until then, ACE employees will be able to enjoy tennis, netball and basket ball courts in that area." One floor is a health club which will be managed by the company's own fitness team.

The office's address will be 17 Woodbourne Avenue, with the main entrance on the Woodbourne Avenue side.

The four floors of office space are in 75,000 square foot, with two levels of underground parking for employees - the whole space measures 165,000 square feet.

The architects are Hillier Group in Washington D.C. and locally Conyers & Associates. Interior decoration was done by Bermuda firm Design Tech.