controversial Front Street extension, which will create up to 150 jobs.

And the winner should be announced within a week.

Competing are Sea-Land Construction, D&J Construction, and Burland, Conyers & Marirea.

Mr. Michael Collier, the bank's chief general manager, said this week the bids were being reviewed.

"We are very keen to get the project under way as soon as possible,'' he said.

"We want to boost employment, help the construction industry, and create as little disruption as possible.'' He added: "We expect to make an announcement on the contract within the next week.'' Mr. Collier declined to comment on when the project would be completed, and how much it was likely to cost.

Both issues would be discussed when reviewing the sealed bids by the competing firms.

The 200-year-old Trader's Gate building has been demolished to make way for the extension.

Last month the proposals were attacked by past president of the Bermuda National Trust's historical buildings committee.

Mrs. Joyce D. Hall said she was shocked and angered by the demolition.

And she accused the National Trust of not objecting strongly enough to it.

She said the style of the extension would not be right, adding: "The Trust has long had a policy that Front Street buildings should be preserved.'' Yesterday Mr. Collier said he believed the new building would fit in with the rest of Front Street, despite the criticism.

It would feature traditional tile and brick to give it an old appearance.

"It should look very nice indeed,'' he said.

A model of the proposed building is in the bank's Reid Street premises.

The six-floor building will include offices, an elevator, and access for handicapped people.

"It will have training facilities, information technology, and banking facilities,'' said Mr. Collier.

Customers can expect a better and more efficient service, he added.

Mr. Collier said the old building had structural problems, and became infested with termites.