their plans for the site by the end of the year.

It is understood the Canadian consortium which is hoping to redevelop the hotel and golf course is now putting the final touches to the deal, and is anticipating a positive move in the next two months.

The investors have refused to comment on the plans until the agreement is in place.

On last week's tourism revitalisation roadshow to Canada, Minister David Allen told travel agents that the new Belmont would have a re-designed golf course and up to 60 villas.

But although demolition work was expected to have started on the hotel this year, nothing has happened apart from the sale of the contents of the premises.

It is anticipated that the villas built at Belmont could be available to be leased back to a hotel partner for vacationers. A hotel is due to be part of the deal but as yet, a management company has not been found.

Elbow Beach was lined up to manage the hotel but pulled out earlier in the year. Mr. Allen previously stated that a partner would have to be found before the plans could advance.

The golf course is due to undergo a revamp by one of the industry's top course professionals.

The course is still open and management have decided to boost income at the Forte-owned site by offering new memberships until December, 2000.

It is understood many members have left since the closure of the hotel, last November and with no date in sight for redevelopment, it was felt new members could be accommodated.

In the event of any work starting, membership fees would be refunded.

Meanwhile, Belmont general manager Gordon Slatford has left Bermuda to return to his home in Oregon.

Mr. Slatford had been in charge at the hotel since November, 1996 and oversaw the closure of the premises.

He remained on-site following the shutdown but has now left the day-to-day running of the premises in the hands of Gary Burgess.

Mr. Slatford, who flew out of Bermuda yesterday, will be working for Forte on a contract basis, returning to the Island once a month to check on the hotel.