Work is expected to start by the end of next month on the $8 million Daniels Head eco-resort.

The final budget for the innovative project is set to be agreed shortly and preparation work at the West End site should begin by June.

John Gardner, of architects and project managers Cooper and Gardner, said once the final financial details had been sorted out then the scheme would proceed immediately.

It is expected to be up and running by the Spring of 1999.

About 125 tents will be sited around Daniels Head, with the demolition of some of the former Canadian forces buildings and the retention of others.

Some of the tents will be sited in the water and on the request of Tourism Minister David Allen, will feature glass viewing floors to enable people to enjoy the marine life.

By this summer, a prototype tent will be erected at Daniels Head, to give a sneak preview of what the village will look like.

Meetings have taken place with Parks officials and Government environment officers. And access will still be allowed to the park area and beach.

The development, backed by entrepreneur Stanley Selengut's Campers Villages LLC, will encompass much of Bermuda into its design.

Mr. Selengut has an eco-resort in the US Virgin Islands which has won awards for its environmental awareness.

It features solar power, compost toilets, water recycling. Daniels Head is expected to be an experiment in sustainable living.

The Bermuda Land Development Company has granted the company -- Destination Villages Daniels Head Bermuda Ltd. -- a 65-year lease.