The Police/court building in Hamilton will be fitted out and ready for occupancy by early 2011, Works Minister Derrick Burgess announced yesterday.

Giving a detailed timetable on the controversial project for the first time, the Minister told the House of Assembly contractor Landmark Lisgar Construction, now LLC Bermuda, has given a "substantial completion date" of late fall 2010, which he said was in line with the Ministry's original estimate.

Currently, of 125,000 square feet of floor area in the new building, 28 percent has been completed. By Cup Match weekend, about 90 percent of the building structure will be in place; by Labour Day weekend the structure will be completed, said Mr. Burgess.

And by National Hero's Day, he said the new building should be completely enclosed and in its final configuration. "As I have been saying for weeks now," said Mr. Burgess, "I am increasingly pleased and satisfied with the progress of works on this project, particularly since we put in place revised management and administrative arrangements with respect to the construction works."

In response to articles in the press, he went on: "Honourable Members need to know that despite newspaper reports and speculation to the contrary, it remains my hope and my expectation that construction will be completed in a timely manner.

"Time and perhaps unforeseen circumstances will establish whether my optimism is justified, but I say now without hesitation that I am very pleased with our progress on this project. And frankly I deeply resent the comments and speculation of some of those who do not know the facts, but who insist on passing premature judgment in complete ignorance. "The project has been catching up all the time and it is my desire and hope that all the naysayers who would love to see this Government fail to bring this project properly to fruition and in a timely manner and in accordance with our budgetary expectations would simply put up or shut up."

Mr. Burgess insisted there are no changes to the project and no change orders at this time — and if any changes happen they will be thoroughly scrutinised as to their validity.

"It is not expected that there will be any unreasonable additional costs for this project and the Ministry does not envision any changes to the scope of work of the contractor," said the Minister.

According to Mr. Burgess, construction work is continuing on:

• the south tower — the structural steel and metal deck are complete up to the fifth level with blockwork starting on the ground floor;

• the main lobby area — the third level concrete slab has been completed and the sheer walls are being constructed at the third to fourth levels;

• the north Police station/Magistrates' Court — the suspended slab at ground floor level is nearing completion.

About 20 trade contractors are engaged on the site, with more planned as the project progresses, said Mr. Burgess. When the project reaches its construction peak in the coming months, it is estimated that there will be as many as 125 trades people on site, with a large percentage of them Bermudian.