has been selected as the site for a heritage/visitor centre in St. George's.

The news came in a recent speech made by St. George's Foundation heritage/visitor centre task force chairman Keith Hollis.

Opening a centre in St. George's was one of the core recommendations in the town's heritage plan and is considered crucial to enriching the experience of visitors to the east end.

The historic, two-storey building with 4,500 square feet of floor space was selected from a final list of five buildings earmarked by the task force with the help of overseas expert Bill Pfeifer, said Mr. Hollis.

Mr. Pfeifer, the director of interpretive programmes, staff development and visitor services for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, visited the Island in February and put together a host of information for the local Foundation to use in its deliberations.

Factors that attributed to the selection of the Queen's Warehouse over the other four finalists -- the Odd Fellows Lodge, Police Station, Old Community Centre and Store Keepers House -- included: the open warehouse plan allowing the space and opportunity to subdivide its massive interior as needed; its proximity to the ample cycle and car parking and bus and taxi turnaround space at Tiger Bay; its proximity to the Penno's Wharf Cruise Ship Terminal; and the easy access between it and the Town Centre, King's Square along Duke of York Street, Water Street and the new Waterfront Boardwalk.

Mr. Hollis said: "I am happy to tell you that the Corporation of St. George's has given approval in principle to the location although the long-term lease details remain to be determined.

"Representation to the Bermuda Department of Planning has also been made with a request that the new fast ferry connecting St. George's to the rest of the Island dock at or near the centre, which we believe is the logical starting point for first-time visitors to the town.'' The Foundation also recruited the assistance of design consultant Ed Bronwikonski Jr. who specialises in aquariums, museums and zoos and was the consultant for the award-winning North Rock Exhibit at the Bermuda Aquarium.