Bermuda College Board members will discuss plans to build student accommodation on the Paget campus at their next meeting in June, it was claimed this week.

The board agreed in March of last year to look at developing on-campus residences, but no plans have been produced since then.

At the time, Academic and Student Affairs vice-president Donald Peters said it was hoped the accommodation would be ready by 2001 and would cost about $5 million.

He said then: "We have had some commitment from the private sector and we are confident that we can raise the money. As yet, we haven't approached Government, but we will be approaching them.'' Dr. Peters said earlier this week that detailed plans were being developed "as we speak'', which would be discussed by the board next month.

He reaffirmed his support for the accommodation. "The future of the college depends on increasing the student population,'' he said.

Dr. Peters has said a major problem in expanding the college was that overseas students could not come to the Island because they could not afford accommodation.

It was also hoped more Bermudians would be encouraged to stay at home to complete their studies if accommodation was available.

College president George Cook said this week he did not know if accommodation plans would be discussed at the meeting, but added that Education Minister Milton Scott supported the idea of on-campus residencies.

It was now a question of obtaining financial support from Government, and possibly the private sector, for the accommodation. Dr. Cook said one possibility could be a private company being sub-contracted to build and run the residences.

He said no detailed plans had been drawn up but noted the Development Applications Board had approved the College's "master plan'' which included accommodation.

Dr. Cook said: "The board supports the idea and the Minister also said he supports the idea. The question is when we can start with financing it, and that's a different matter.

"It is a question of financing, but the concept has been well-received and has strong support. Government has to take into account its other projects in terms of capital development.

"We only have a scheme in principle for the campus as a whole which includes provision for residential accommodation and that's part of the master plan.

"In due course, the board will probably have sketches drawn. We haven't drawn up any plans at this stage and the board has not voted for any specific development.

"We've got approval from the Development Applications Board for the master plan for the campus as a whole, and that includes residences.'' When asked if the College might embark on fund-raising on its own, Dr. Cook said: "It could do, if other agencies are interested in collaborating with us, but it is not likely.

"It is possible to have a private financier develop it as a private development and run it for us as a sub-contractor, but we haven't entered into any discussions yet.'' Mr. Scott refused to comment yesterday when asked when Government funding would be made available, directing questions to Bermuda College Board chairman Randolph Horton.

Mr. Horton said the board did not have a firm time line for the accommodation, but would have a better idea after it holds strategic planning meetings next month.

Dr. Donald Peters HOUSING HSG