National Sports Centre -- and now.

That is the view of Shadow Minister of Youth and Sport Nelson Bascome, who yesterday asked: "Where are the plans?'' Mr. Bascome said work had been progressing at the site on Frog Lane in Devonshire since the beginning of the summer, with the removal of houses, a large woodland area, a garden and community recreational area.

Yet, no model -- not even a sketch -- of the proposed five-story, mega-building and its surroundings had been produced for public viewing.

Mr. Bascome also expressed concern that the old Bermuda College faced imminent destruction, despite statements to the contrary by Government leaders in the House of Assembly.

It had been previously said that the structure would be used to house the Ministry of Youth and Sport as well as other sporting organisations needing office space, but Mr. Bascome questioned whether that was still true.

Mr. Bascome also questioned what effect the construction was having on the environment.

"There are a number of fundamental wrongs here that would not be allowed if carried out by a public citizen of our Island,'' he claimed. "It is unacceptable for Government to build a five-story building in the most densely populated area of Bermuda without taking into consideration the environmental effects first.

"Secondly, the plans have not been published for public information. The people of Bermuda do not know what they are getting, and an emphasis should have been concentrated in completing the first phase.

"The demolition of the Bermuda College building is of paramount concern, especially since it was earmarked to be utilised by both the Ministry and sporting bodies needing central offices.'' The Pembroke East MP added that he found it "interesting'' that the landscaping and works would be allowed to proceed without community knowledge of cost and time table.

He was also concerned whether the proposed structure would accommodate area community needs and whether sporting bodies had had input in the overall plan.

"The Pembroke/Devonshire area is known to be a prime area for the development of a youth and educational centre and the old Bermuda College facilities could provide such a home,'' said Mr. Bascome.

"There are several community and sports groups in the area that would benefit from such a structure.'' To this end, Mr. Bascome said that a business plan aimed at keeping alive community involvement is being circulated among the various area groups and suggestions received thus far have included: a professional development centre; a community art centre; and office space for small business entrepreneurs.

Neither Donald Lines, chairman of the National Sports Centre's board of trustees, nor his deputy, Charles Marshall, could be reached for comment last evening.