A new look square and alley in historic St. George's will be officially opened by Governor Thorold Masefield in a ceremony planned this week.

Taylor's Alley and Pilot Darrell's Square have both been restored as part of the town's Bringing History to Life project.

In the last two years the asphalt roadway and sidewalks have been slowly stripped away and replaced by specially made paving stones. New decorative lighting features have also been provided as part of the project.

The project is part of a wider heritage based strategic exercise examining methods to improve urban design standards while preserving and enhancing the rich historical aspect of the town.

The improvements to Taylor's Alley and Pilot Darrell's Square have been funded through contributions made to the St. George's Foundation by the Chamber of Commerce and Town Crier E. Michael Jones.

Foundation chairman, Louis Mowberry, said: "The Foundation is proud to play a role in assisting the Corporation in the implementation of the Heritage Plan.

"I thank the Chamber of Commerce and their St. George's branch for their interest in funding the work completed on Taylor's Alley and E. Michael Jones for his generous contribution towards Pilot Darrell's Square.'' A special dedication ceremony will also be conducted on Thursday to recognise the naming of Pilot Darrell's Square, named after James Darrell, the marine pilot who became one of Bermuda's first black landowners in the 1790's.

The latest project is the fifth area of the old town to be redeveloped under the Heritage plan.

Corporation secretary Larry Jacobs said: "It is important that our street restoration projects enhance and complement the unique and historic buildings located adjacent to them.''