Residents were last night promised a major announcement on the new Park Hyatt hotel before the end of the month.

Developer Carl Bazarian said Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown will reveal exciting news on the long-awaited project on Thursday, October 21, a few days before the end of his tenure.

Around 200 people packed into Penno's Wharf and were in mainly optimistic mood as they watched Mr. Bazarian's presentation of the 100-room resort boasting a Nick Faldo golf course.

But hopes appear to be fading that the initiative will also solve the Olde Towne's long-running sewerage problems.

Mr. Bazarian said consultants representing the community and the developer were so far unable to agree on how the hotel's planned sewage treatment plant could also help deal with sewage from the town.

Giving details of the development on a slide show, Mr. Bazarian said it would also have a spa and fitness centre, two restaurants, two cafés, 71 condos, 39 villa residences, 12 single-family homes, two tennis courts, beach club, housing for 160 employees and reverse osmosis water purification facility.

Predicting the initiative would be the catalyst for St. Regis, Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton developments, he told the audience: "This is a project that will kick off the platinum era."

In a question-and-answer session, a number of residents raised concerns over sewage treatment.

Mr. Bazarian responded that he goes snorkelling, but avoids Tobacco Bay because of problems resulting from sewage discharge; he said he hoped Government, the Corporation of St. George, the community and the hotel could come up with a solution.

Progressive Labour Party candidate for St. George's West John Gibbons was among the residents to raise questions on sewage.

After the meeting, Mr. Gibbons told The Royal Gazette: "The town is desperate and there's not much we can do. The town needs business, we need a hotel.

"But it does present an opportunity for us to deal with a problem that we have had for almost two centuries, and that's the problem of sewage.

"The opportunity for cooperation with Mr. Bazarian and Government is not ruled out and that's what the people should push for."

Mr. Bazarian also spoke about job opportunities for Bermudians, saying locals would be able to train overseas before the resort opens, and the hotel could also link up with Bermuda College for courses.

United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan, the MP for St. George's West, said: "I haven't seen as many people turn up for a meeting in St. George's in 25 years. The turnout indicates that the intent for the revitalisation of St. George's is there.

"Mr. Bazarian is demonstrating that he's committed to advancing the project.

"The concern I have heard from people is about congestion, but we have to balance that against the fact that there's on the table a proposal coming forward that's going to provide the type of jobs and ongoing on-Island type of services that will help encourage people to come to St. George's and Bermuda."

Mr. Bazarian has previously said ground would be broken at the site in 2010. The $90 million, 262-year lease on the property was signed two years ago following the demolition of Club Med.