spotlight as a new master plan guiding the city's development is drawn up.

Pedestrianisation of streets and development of the waterfront areas will also be examined as a new blueprint guiding Hamilton's future is thrashed out.

Yesterday Government and Corporation chiefs began the process of drawing up a new master plan to replace the current 12-year-old guide.

Environment Minister Pamela Gordon said: "The existing plan is now out-of-date and Hamilton has seen significant changes since the plan was drawn up.

"As the new Millenium approaches, it is essential that Bermuda's capital city has an up-to-date plan in place to guide its management and development into the 21st Century.'' The master plan will be drawn up by both the Government and Corporation and it is hoped it will be ready by the end of 1997.

Ideas that will be looked at include the possibility of extending Hamilton's boundaries, pedestrianisation of roads, new traffic schemes and parking areas.

Other issues include the waterfront area and the areas zoned for industrial and residential use.

Both Ms Gordon and Corporation Mayor William Boyle stressed that there were no preconceived ideas and there would be extensive consultations with the public and organisations.

Groups to be consulted include the National Trust, the Chamber of Commerce, the Architects' Association as well as Government departments such as Works and Marine and Ports.

Members of the public are being invited to contact the Corporation after the New Year.

Mr. Boyle said: "We have an existing plan but it is 12 years old and things have changed. We need to see what changes need to be made to the plan.

Ms Gordon said the partnership approach between the Planning Department and the Corporation in drawing up the plan would result in a wide-ranging review of the factors affecting development in Hamilton.

"Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and the administrative, commercial, shopping and cultural centre of the Island and a major tourist attraction,'' she added. "Its importance, therefore, stretches far beyond the boundaries of the municipal area.'' Ms Gordon said the Corporation and the Planning Department intended to canvass as many views as possible and would talk to local and international business, professional bodies, interested groups, residents and visitors.