A new $70 million city centre hotel could start to take shape next year, it has been claimed.

The seven-storey facility planned for Par-La-Ville car park is expected to break ground in 2000 and become a reality two years after that, according to architect Fraser Butterworth.

Mr. Butterworth hinted that the deal was very near completion, but said developers putting together the financial package wanted to ensure everything was in place before making an official announcement.

He said developers TG International and their local representative, Glynn Shouldice, were working hard behind the scenes to finalise the project after taking it over solely following the split from Dawnay Day Hotels earlier in the year.

"The remnants of the relationship were picked up by TG International and Mr.

Shouldice, who have been carefully putting together a financing package which will allow the project to proceed,'' he said.

"It is very, very close to fruition.'' Detailed outline Planning permission has already been granted, with the final particulars of the plan to be worked out.

Three levels of parking will feature at the hotel, below the existing car park. The entrance will be on Church Street and a courtyard will face the park itself.

The seven storeys above ground will have 140 executive suites and around 18 apartments on the top floors.

Also listed in the plans are a health club, restaurants and a landscaping programme which includes a new entrance to the park on Par-La-Ville Road. A road widening scheme and new toilets are also in the scheme.

Mr. Butterworth said, once the go-ahead is given, it would be at least six months before any preparation work is done on the site.

Initially a December 1999 opening date was set for the hotel. During the summer it became apparent that the timescale was not feasible and 2001 was touted, but now that has been superseded by the latest estimate.

Originally the plans were as a result of a partnership between Dawnay Day Hotels and TG International. But the two groups went their separate ways earlier in the year.

Both the Ministry of Tourism and the Corporation of Hamilton are in favour of the project.

BUSINESS BUC