By Stephen Breen Plans for a major housing complex in Hamilton expected to kickstart further residential developments in the city have been welcomed by civic leaders.

Former Premier Sir John Swan is behind a proposal to build 76 one-bedroom apartments with a gym and swimming pool at Parliament, Victoria and Dundonald Streets.

Sir John said the development could be the catalyst for more house building in Hamilton, which would regenerate a city centre which emptied at night after office workers left for home.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt yesterday said the Corporation strongly supported encouraging more people to live in the city.

The new town centre plan, which the Planning Department is completing, has identified the lack of residential accommodation in Hamilton as a major problem, he said.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said he did not want to comment on the specific application, but said the "general direction is positive''.

Sir John said the development, submitted by Ocean Winds Ltd., would have major environmental benefits for the Island.

It would reduce traffic congestion and pollution because fewer people would be commuting into Hamilton. And it would ease the pressure to build on Bermuda's scarce open spaces.

Mr. Sherratt said yesterday: "One of the concerns identified in the new Hamilton city plan is that the residential population of the city is greatly decreasing at a time when it should be increasing.

"The more people who live in the city, the less people need to travel to the city, and as Sir John says, when people live in a city it tends to bring it to life.

"Although the Corporation has not received the plans yet, the Hamilton city plan is looking at encouraging residential development in the city,'' Mr.

Sherratt added.

"It seems to be a very positive step which falls in line with the thinking of the Planning Department and the Corporation.

"The Corporation has traditionally wanted to encourage development in the east and north of the city, and this seems to do both.

"If there are other sites in that area that are vacant and if this is successful, hopefully it can spur other developments in the north and east of the city.'' Sir John refused to disclose the intended price of the apartments or the names of other players in the development. If Planning permission is granted, building could start next Autumn with completion in 2001.