Southside, St. David's out for public tender.

According to BLDC spokesperson Don Grearson, the chapel, built in 1958, is one of the best purpose-built buildings at Southside -- the area formerly known as the US Naval Air Station.

BLDC's chief executive officer Carl Musson said the chapel will be the first in a long line of community and commercial properties that the Company will market.

"The chapel represents our continuing effort to expand the use of Southside through the opening of buildings for business and community purposes,'' Mr.

Musson said. "We expect the chapel to become an important focus of community activity.'' The chapel is located inside Southside's third entrance gate, just east of Emily's Bay Lane. It is nestled in a protected area among casuarinas and can seat more than 300. It also boasts a spacious interior with altar and pulpit and a vestry with three offices. The parking lot can accommodate 45 vehicles.

The tender announcement began appearing in The Royal Gazette yesterday, and according to the BLDC has already attracted a lot of attention from church groups.

Mr. Grearson said the company will be contacting each group to alert them of the tender.

The bids will be evaluated in terms of the plans to manage and use the building, the applicants experience in managing similar facilities and the proposed return to the BLDC.

Mr. Grearson said the chapel will be shown by appointment on August 20 and 27.

Bid documents will be available at the BLDC office in Southside. Bids close on September 5.

UP FOR TENDER -- The former US Base chapel