Casemates.

And, for a few moments, they formed their own vision of the future.

Some dreamed of a college, a hospital, workshops, and a drug rehab centre.

Others conjured up a recreation centre, a waterfront restaurant, a museum, an art gallery, and a rock music stadium.

One Bermudian, however, was more down to earth.

He believed the grim maximum security prison should be kept in mothballs to handle a future crime explosion.

The visions of the future came yesterday as The Royal Gazette took to the streets.

With a November opening date looming for the new $40 million prison, Government has yet to announce plans for Casemates. Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness recently admitted the possibility of a luxury hotel had been floated.

Another one was restoring Casemates back to a fort, turning it into a big tourist attraction.

But yesterday Government was bombarded with other ideas.

And there was a recurring message in many of the suggestions: Do something for the youth. Aaron Wales, 24, a gas pump attendant at Hamilton's Esso station, was among those banging the youth drum.

"I think we should build a recreation centre to keep the youths of the street,'' he said. Mr. Wales, of Hamilton Parish, said Bermuda offered little for its young. "That's why some resort to pack racing to keep themselves amused,'' he added.

Bank of Bermuda administrator Miss Dionne Glasford, and her friend, Mrs.

Tee-Ann Hewey, also called for youth entertainment.

"I think a mini amusement park would be a good idea, and even if the equipment rusted it would provide work for maintenance men,'' said Miss Glasford.

Bermuda Optical Company dispenser Mrs. Hewey, from Pembroke, raised the prospect of Casemates as a rock venue. "All types of concerts could be held there. It could be sound-proofed so nearby people wouldn't be disturbed.'' Other youth problems were raised, including lack of job opportunities, and drugs. Miss Nicky Wainwright, from Pembroke, suggested a college. "Young people need a proper education,'' said the 27-year-old messenger courier.

"I believe we should have a college, both academic and technical, to give the young a chance to go out in the world with skills.'' Mrs. Rosalind Phillips, from Sandys South, backed the "do something for youth'' theme. She liked the idea of the prison becoming a series of workshops to give Bermudians skills, such as carpentry and masonry.

Bank of Bermuda employee Ms Diane Cann, from Devonshire, appealed for something to be done to tackle drug problems. "Maybe Casemates could be used to treat drug addicts. Drugs are a big problem in Bermuda.'' For Mr. Maurice Croke, who runs the Woodbourne Guest House, there was a possible hitch in razing Casemates to the ground.

It would probably spark an outcry from the National Trust, who would want it preserved as an historic building. But Mr. Croke foresaw some possibilities with the building, such as a museum.

It would be important to ensure, however, the exhibits were markedly different from those in the Maritime Museum.

"It would be a general museum,'' said Mr. Croke.

Some tourists, too, were keen to offer an opinion. Canadians Mr. Ed Wojtecki and his wife, Pamela Maw, suggested an art gallery with craft shops.

"There could be pottery and glass-blowing,'' said Mr. Wojtecki, a sailor from Ontario. "Guest speakers could also be invited to give talks.'' The couple said their ideas were based on Toronto's solution to transforming an old prison.

Mr. Jamal Abdul Malik, from Pembroke, struck a different line from the others.

"I think we should keep Casemates, because we are going to need it when the new prison is not big enough,'' he said.

Mr. Jamal Abdul Malik Mrs. Rosalind Phillips Mr. Maurice Croke Ms Diane Cann Miss Dionne Glasford Mr. Aaron Wales.