?Let?s get it on? ? that was the verdict from the head of the Chamber of Commerce?s Restaurant and Nightclub Division Phil Barnett on the latest plans to transform Hamilton?s waterfront.

He welcomed the Corporation of Hamilton?s $839 million scheme to shift the docks, create new land for a hotel and housing and put in underground parks and marinas.

Mr. Barnett, who is also president of the Hog Penny, Barracuda Grill and Pickled Onion, said the landfill project would provide much needed retail and restaurant space, although it might affect his own chain by adding another road parallel to Front Street. ?To a certain extent it will shift back the entire block.?

But he said plenty of restaurants were successful despite not being on Front Street.

The Corporation said at the official unveiling of the plans on Tuesday that it would pick up 20 percent of the cost ? estimated to be around $122 million. Mr. Barnett said: ?The Corporation have not said they will pay their way by increasing taxes.?

Indeed the development would increase the Corporation?s tax base as more businesses would be created argued Mr. Barnett, who said he had yet to get feedback from his members. He added: ?I don?t think it is too ambitious.? He said the first phase of the scheme needed to be completed within the first five years. ?Restaurants can?t wait. People are desperate for more retail space. There?s nothing available right now. Let?s get on with it.

?Everyone is really excited for this waste of a parking lot to be developed into something world class.?

He said the building work need not be a massive eyesore as he commended builders for doing their best to minimise disruption to the public at the Cooper building on Front Street.

There were plenty of firms on the Island capable of getting a project finished ahead of schedule said Mr. Barnett who cited the AIG building.

Chamber of Commerce president Peter Everson said it was too early to comment as feedback would be sought from members.

But he said the Chamber is behind some sort of development of the Waterfront.

He said: ?I think most people in Bermuda would agree a move away from old warehouse and transit sheds used as car parks to more productive use is positive.?