THE Masterworks Foundation is set to renovate its new home in the Botanical Gardens in Paget.

Masterworks, which was granted a 21-year lease and permission to develop the complete facility surrounding the Botanical Gardens as the Masterworks Art Centre by an Act of Parliament in July 2000, will begin renovations in early 2003. The centre will contain galleries, a library, offices and areas for lectures, workshops and other educational programmes for children and adults. It will become the home for more than 1,000 Bermuda paintings and works of art, according to executive director Tom Butterfield.

He said: "It will be a centre enveloping the ultimate Bermuda experience."

Mr. Butterfield said more than 120,000 people currently visited the Botanical Gardens every year, in addition to those who attended the Agricultural Show in the spring.

"There is no doubt that the Masterworks Art Centre will be a major attraction to the Botanical Gardens experience, which will cause increased visitation by residents of the island and tourists alike," he said.

Lady Vereker, wife of Governor Sir John Vereker, has agreed to serve as honorary chair of the new arts and education centre.