fountain and plaza project.

Construction to revamp the Par-la-Ville Park is set to begin next March thanks to nearly $1 million donated by the Bank of Bermuda Centennial Trust.

David Lang, Centennial Trust manager, said they were firmly behind the project and happy to be able to donate $750,000.

After all the controversy surrounding the project, Mr. Lang said he hoped the fountain will be a lasting benefit to Bermuda and the community.

"The Millennium fountain and plaza will provide a much needed place where people can meet, relax and enjoy themselves in the heart of the city for years to come,'' he said.

"We are pleased with the sensitive treatments with which the Millennium Committee has treated the landscape and look forward to this plaza,'' added City of Hamilton Mayor William Frith.

Sjur Linberg, a partner of Barker & Linberg Chartered Architects, has been working with Stanley Kennedy of Urban Design Associates to create a design that preserves as many of the existing features of the park as possible.

Mr. Linberg said the building of the fountain will be the introduction of new elements to the existing park.

The plaza has been designed so that mature trees will not be disturbed.

The amphitheatre seating and all other elements of the plaza will follow the existing contours of the land.

Once completed, various plants and flowers will be added along with roses donated by the Rose Society.

"This will be an improvement to the oasis of Hamilton,'' said Mr. Lang.

"We expect this will be a popular location for music, poetry reading and drama performances, and another area that brings the community together in the heart of Hamilton,'' said Jay Bluck, chairman of the Millennium Committee.

Mr. Bluck estimated the cost of the construction to be between $1.5 and $2 million, with additional money put into a trust for the maintenance of the park.

It is expected that construction will be completed in September of next year.