The Bermuda Land Development Company hopes its newspaper advertising campaign will display the former US base as an attractive place to work and operate.

And featured in the ads, to give them a real local flavour, will be existing Southside businesses, community groups and residents.

The plan comes days after demolition started on dozens of old buildings on the 420-acre site -- clearing the way for the renovation of the three bedroom homes and the on-going expansion of the business and technology park.

BLDC say the ads reflect the success of Southside as a place to do business and that also provides excellent community and recreational benefits.

Each of the 13 ads will show a company or community group utilising Southside to their benefit.

Carl Musson, BLDC chief executive officer, said: "To achieve its potential, it is important that people understand Southside's value as a place to do business and to enhance their enjoyment of life.

"The advertising has been designed to communicate these general attributes.'' Many businesses have already located at Southside, which has various types and sizes of buildings left by the Americans, and community organisations are also interested in its potential.

BLDC officials hope they can lure international companies, particularly those involved in the e-commerce sector -- an area that the United Bermuda Party Government has already earmarked for expanision.

The proximity of the Airport and the potential of the nearby wharf, combined with existing Bermudian attributes, could form an irresistable package to overseas investors, it is believed.

And it's not just corporate customers that are attracted to Southside.

St. David's residents recieved Government backing for their plans to establish a centre for young and old. They hope to reach agreement with BLDC for a site and see the base as perfect because of the availability of existing buildings.

BLDC marketing director Don Grearson said the ads, which will run through to November, will use the tenants own words to describe Southside.

"We have a good story to tell about Southside,'' he said. "Commercially they depict it as a place that offers lower cost and quality space in a better environment.

"Collectively they depict Southside as a place of tremendous opportunity.'' MILITARY MIL