Negotiations are underway between the Salvation Army and Government to construct a new seniors facility in Southampton.

Minister of Health and Family Services Minister Nelson Bascome told The Royal Gazette yesterday that a "huge piece" of property has been willed to the Salvation Army with the original owners wishes that it be used as a complex for seniors.

But he warned that talks are in the preliminary stages and said that Government was trying to assist the Salvation Army by offering to take over the construction responsibilities.

Mr. Bascome refused to divulge the who had willed the Church Road, Southampton property.

"There is land and a cottage left by a family," he said. "And they (Salvation Army) are trying to uphold the mandate of the will. Government can in some kind of way provide that mandate. We have started discussions and the Parish Council is interested in developing the property. We will work in conjunction with the Bermuda Housing Trust, to establish and assist where we can." A Salvation Army spokesperson said that the land was recently acquired and said they are "fairly hopeful" about the outcome.