Ongoing moves to redevelop the long-derelict Club Med resort in St. George's were evident this week as a delegation that included a representative of Starwood Hotels, an assistant of golf legend Nick Faldo, and international developers and architects visited the site.

The history of "on-off" redevelopment proposals for the former Club Med is lengthy, but the appearance on Island of such a cast of important figures adds credibility to the latest proposed scheme.

Demolishing the present monumental edifice and replacing it with a low-rise hotel and guest cottages, along with residential and fractional ownership units, is the intention of developers Bazarian International.

Tourism Board chairman E. Michael Jones, who accompanied the visitors, said: "The developers are well on their way to concluding with Government the signing of the legal documentation so they can go forward with planning and implementing the new hotel."

It is anticipated the main building of the new hotel will be no more than two or three storeys high. The golf course that surrounds the property is to be revamped and redesigned with input from one of the most successful golfers of all time Nick Faldo.

The three times winner of both the Open and US Masters Golf Championships was represented in the visiting delegation by Nick Edmonds.

"They are attempting to redesign the course, which is known as a short course, and making it more challenging and adding innovations. Nick Faldo has been here previously," said Mr. Jones.

If all goes to plan the new hotel is expected to be run by the prestigious St. Regis Hotel group, which also operates the famous New York St. Regis Hotel.

The delegation included Virginia Cobb, from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, parent company of St. Regis.

Developer Carl Bazarian and other representatives of Bazarian International, as well as two architects, completed the group who carried out a reconnaissance of the property and visited other locations in the the East End and elsewhere on the Island.

"They looked at other properties to see what else is available," said Mr. Jones.

"They were looking at architecture and things like how best to manage the sewage system and fresh water supplies. They also met with Belco to discuss possible requirements so they can plan for the future."

The visiting group also talked with local MPs Dame Jennifer Smith, Dean Foggo, St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey and the Corporation of St. George's Aldermen and officials. Historian Dr. Edward Harris, with extensive knowledge of the forts and artefacts around the property, also spoke with the delegation of developers.

Another question that was mulled over during the past week was what will happen to the rubble from the demolition of the current hotel building, which dominates the East End skyline, and how it might be transported from the site or possibly reused at the location.

There was also a meeting with the planning department.

Mr. Jones, a former St. George's town mayor, said: "They would like to get started as soon as possible once the permits have been approved."

He described the visit of so many of the lead people involved in the project as "fabulous" and added: "It looks like they understand and have a real handle on the project. These people are significant players in the industry. Carl Bazarian has put together a team that is second to none.

"Things are well under way now and everything seems extremely positive."