The Bermuda Botanical Society and Masterworks Foundation Gallery may be teaming up as "roomies'' after Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson promised Masterworks space in a building currently occupied by BBS volunteers.

The building, which used to house the restaurant Tavern On the Green, is being used by the Society as a Visitors Centre and currently features a gift shop, information desk and small cafeteria.

But while Agriculture and Fisheries acting assistant director Lisa Outerbridge admitted Mr. Hodgson's announcement in the House of Assembly came as a "surprise'', she denied there were any hard feelings by Botanical Society volunteers.

And she said she understood Masterworks was very pleased with the idea.

"It's still in the early stages -- neither party really knows what the other one needs,'' she said. "But a lot of the needs are similar and it could be conducive for both.

"The building was condemned ...or even if it wasn't officially condemned, half the building was deemed not usable and not safe.

"So there is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done, because the building needs quite a lot of investment.

"But what needs to be determined is how much of an investment needs to be made and who will be making it. And as with any development, there needs to be a plan for the future -- such as parking space and other things.

"But (the arrangement) should be beneficial to both -- it will be a great facility when it's finished.'' Visitor Centre manager David Barber echoed Mrs. Outerbridge's comments, stating that volunteers had no problem with the arrangement if it came to fruition.

And Bermuda Botanical Society president Annette St. Pierre said she wanted to "find out the facts'' before commenting.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said he was unwilling to comment further until plans had been more fully thrashed out, possibly in about a month.