by 2005, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Donald Lines, said yesterday.

Mr. Lines said he expected work would begin on the final part of the complex -- a triple gymnasium, swimming pool and hall for cultural events -- by 2002 and be finished in 2005.

He stressed, however, that it was dependent on funding from Government, which is financing the entire project and has been supportive.

Mr. Lines said original estimates drawn up around five years ago for the total cost of redeveloping the National Stadium at Prospect and building the new cultural and swimming centre were around $80 million.

But he said the final figure could be more. The project was on schedule, but the final sum could be affected by inflation, and when work actually starts on the final phase.

Mr. Line told The Royal Gazette : "The centre core (with the pool and gymnasium) won't be started until 2002.

"The plans are already designed and are virtually complete. By 2002 we could be ready to go, to the extent that we have the finance available.'' The old National Stadium pavillion was demolished 15 years ago, and Bermudians have been wondering if the redevelopment of the 25 acre site would ever be completed.

Around four years ago, work began renovating the old complex, developing the northern field, repairing the track and upgrading the field.

In August, Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister Dennis Lister broke ground on the latest stage of the development - the $11.5 million 2,000 seater western grandstand.

It will also contain concession areas, changing rooms, a press centre and rest rooms.

Work on the grandstand will be completed simultaneously with work on the neighbouring cricket pavillion, both of which are due to be completed by 2001.

The current phase of construction, the northern fields, is nearing completion.

In a leaflet contained in yesterday's Royal Gazette , organisers explain that design work on the main building was put on hold because focus was put on the construction of the western grandstands.

The new government wanted to have the western stands completed before moving onto the centre core containing the pool, gymnasium and pool.

Mr. Lines is hopeful that cultural events such as indoor reggae concerts, conferences and church meetings will be a useful money-spinner to help the complex become profitable.

In the leaflet, Premier Jennifer Smith states: "The Bermuda National Centre is a project that all of Bermuda has patiently dreamed would come to reality.

"Now, I am pleased to say, the long wait is over. Plans are moving ahead.

Work is progressing and new aspects of the project will be taking shape in the months to come.''