A quarter of a million dollars has been granted to the Uptown Market Association to help further its aim of improving the quality of life and business in the uptown area of Hamilton, centred on Court Street and its environs.

The money will be put to use in a number of ways as the UMA sets up a headquarters and offices and a business centre that will be accessible by association members and the public.

In an ongoing effort to breath fresh life, entrepreneurship and vibrancy into the north Hamilton community, Finance Minister Paula Cox announced Government has granted $250,000 towards the UMA's 2007 operational costs in "a bid to inject further dynamism into the Economic Empowerment Zone initiative in north east Hamilton."

The zone was set up to provide direct assistance to residents, property and business owners through concessions under the Industrial Development Act.

Assistance that has already been provided includes preferential borrowing rates and flexible financing instruments through Bank of Bermuda to business and property owners within the zone.

Ms Cox said the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation had worked closely with the UMA on its strategic plan.

"The UMA is now a corporate entity limited by guarantee that is empowered to receive charitable monies and Government grants."

UMA chairman Elmore Warren said: "Starting today, with the funding granted to the UMA we can put into action our vision to revitalise this part of Hamilton.

"Working together we will see growth, investment, and renewed spirit that will make Uptown a destination for everyone. We held focus groups for three weeks to listen to the community and develop the top concerns in our strategic plan and our mission statement in which we will improve the social, physical, economic and spiritual well-being of the residents, property and business owners, employees and persons visiting the north east Hamilton community."

A "beautification" of Court Street buildings, the introduction of street cameras, Uptown Ambassadors and Uptown Street Marshals for improved safety have already been achieved, said Mr. Warren.

Trenching, paving, the provision of trash cans have also been done, in co-operation with Corporation of Hamilton. While events such as the Uptown Culture Fest and Christmas light nights have taken place.

Mr. Warren said that, going forward, the UMA plans to roll out: "A headquarters and UMA office where residents, merchants and investors can meet, interact, access services and communicate common concerns.

"An umbrella business centre with services made available to assist UMA members and the public (internet, faxing, printing, photocopy, meeting facilities, professional accounting and legal services), and a public relations campaign to inform the community that we are here, open for business and ready to welcome."

The UMA will also employ a full-time executive director and assistant, allowing the interim executive of Steve Simons, Michael Bradshaw and Mr. Warren to hand over the day-to-day running of the association.