A New York Times reporter dubbed Bermuda's main shopping street as having "Old World charm" in 1961.

In the September 10 edition of the prestigious paper journalist H.M. Greenwald. said: "Although most people visit this island to sunbathe and swim along its pink shores, few are disappointed for long when the weather turns too cool or cloudy for beach activity.

Every tourist in Bermuda comes to know Front Street and its quaint shops."

However if Mr. Greenwald was to return to Bermuda's bustling city now he could be forgiven if he didn't recognise Front Street.

Iconic department stores Trimingham's and Smith's are gone, though Brown & Co. has taken up where Smith's used to be. And trees which once lined the street have been cut down for health and safety reasons.

Even the fate of horse and carriages, which were once the only mode of transport along the busy high street, is up for question with the Corporation of Hamilton meeting soon to consider a ban on them in Hamilton.

But more change is to come with the City of Hamilton ushering in 72-storeys of construction almost simultaneously, 29 of which will be on Front Street.

Construction is well underway at 131 Front Street where developer Zane DeSilva is putting up new six-storey office building and permission has been granted further along the eastern section of Front Street for the ten-storey Seon Place.

The former Trimmingham's site is still under excavation in preparation for a eight-storey Bank of Bermuda building. And the Saltus Block across from the Hamilton Ferry Terminal has been cleared out of its previous users in readiness for the construction of a five-storey office and retail complex.

But Tourism Board chairman E. Michael Jones said he believes Front Street will still retain its charm.

"I think Front Street will always be a street frequented by locals and visitors," he said. "The view along the harbour promenade is beautiful and that view will be the same from here until eternity."

He added that it was important city planners worked to strike the right balance and meet the needs of retailors, businesses, residents and tourists, but added that it was important the city did not stay static.

I spoke this week with a couple staying at the St. George's Club who have been coming here for twenty years and there were telling me how much the Island has changed," he said. "There are landmarks they remember which no longer exist. But it's important we change and grow. Where in the world is the same now as it was 20 years ago? It's how we manage the change that is important."