Tourism Minister Ewart Brown has big plans for a ?Big Easy? in North Hamilton ? the revamp and beautification of Court Street to be more precise ? and Dr. Brown shared this vision with business owners and managers in an informal meeting last night.

There are a few subtle similarities between buildings in Court Street and the French Quarter in New Orleans, which might be why the Minister is encouraging business owners and managers to participate in what he is terming, the ?Court Street Restoration/Development project?.

Following the meeting last night, Spinning Wheel manager Steve Simons said business owners and managers had already formed a committee to get estimates on what it would cost and were looking forward to the business the area will attract following completion.

?We?re going to get this done as soon as possible and the Minister has promised us as much Government support as he can,? he said.

In fact Mr. Simons is so optimistic about the plans for restoration, that together with other Court Street businesses, he aims to have the project completed by May 24 ? in time for the tourist season.

The beautification and restoration proposal includes increased street lighting for both Court Street and outside individual businesses, Police cameras strategically placed along the street as well as a consistent physical Police presence.

Dr. Brown said Government would be giving serious consideration to the idea of detouring all vehicular traffic away from Court Street, at least one day a week, to allow pedestrians and patrons exclusive access for strolling and shopping.

Following the meeting last night, Dr. Brown said he was impressed by the business owners? enthusiasm for the project.

?They?re raring to go,? he said, adding that the proposal was well received and he looked forward to seeing it come to fruition.

In the centre of the proposed restoration is Mr. Simons? business, the Spinning Wheel Entertainment Complex, which anticipates completion of its proposed renovations within six to eight weeks of approval of restoration plans submitted by the Corporation of Hamilton?s Planning department.

These plans include a ?cosmetic face-lift? to the outside of the complex to resemble one of the proposed French Quarter-style buildings.

Businesses participating in the project will also be encouraged to become active members of Bermuda?s Chamber of Commerce.