Christmas shoppers will be able to buy all of their last-minute gifts without worrying about the meter ticking after the Corporation of Hamilton announced free car parking in its lots throughout the City.

The move, which was officially announced by Mayor of Hamilton Sutherland Madeiros in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce at a press conference held at City Hall yesterday, will be for one day only on Saturday December 20 in a bid to help retailers boost their festive trade during the current economic crisis.

Mr. Madeiros also unveiled plans to construct a new works yard building in Laffan Street and redevelop Hamilton's waterfront, including the demolition of No.1 Shed, next year.

He was joined by Diane Gordon, executive vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, Kristi Grayston, chairman of the retail division, Andre Bassett, chief administrative officer of the Uptown Market Association, and Corporation members councillor Glen Smith, and aldermen Pamela Ferreira and Courtland Boyle.

"On behalf of the members of the Corporation of Hamilton, I am especially pleased to announce that in order to assist Hamilton merchants, on Saturday December 20, the Corporation of Hamilton will be offering free car parking in all of its parking lots throughout the City," he said.

"However, in those car parks which have maximum time restrictions, these restrictions will still apply and we ask the motoring public to be considerate and co-operative on this matter.

"On-street parking in the current designated areas will be unaffected and will continue to require vouchers for parking."

Mr. Madeiros said in recognition of today's global financial turmoil and the impact it was having on Bermuda, the Corporation was doing its part to stimulate the economy by starting work on its new building in Laffan Street, which is expected to cost approximately $9 million and will house garage facilities, offices, storage space and a lunch room.

He added that No.1 shed would be knocked down in January to cause the least disruption to the public and the Corporation was in the process of drawing up its budget for 2009, with a number of initiatives taking place from ongoing discussions to the planning of the redevelopment of the City's waterfront, as well as improved lighting in its car parks.

Ms Gordon said the move to free parking in the run-up to Christmas would assist traders in the midst of the economic downturn and denied it was a knee-jerk reaction, but rather a response to tough times which had been mounting since earlier this year.

"We are here today to express our gratitude to the Mayor and Corporation of Hamilton for reaching out to the retail business in Bermuda and the community at large," she said.

"These are challenging times, but it is the opportunity for all of us to join hands and work together to make things happen."