An historic St. George's building is being transformed as part of a massive restoration project in the town.

The listed building on Reeve Court, King Street -- which dates back to 1705 and could be one of the earliest buildings in Bermuda -- could have a mixed use on its three floors.

A planning application has been submitted to the Development Applications Board by the National Trust, to turn it into offices, apartment and store for artefacts.

It is the final stage in the National Trust's work in St. George's, concluding a $5 million campaign. XL Insurance donated $100,000 toward the Reeve Court project.

Director Amanda Outerbridge said $350,000 was being spent on the building and it would create a dedicated archaeology laboratory for the Trust.

Once complete it would also be a better location for visitors to see staff at work on artefacts.

Henry Ming, deputy president of the Trust, said: "This is an exciting project for us. It is particularly interesting as our archival and architectural research has determined that Reeve Court is far more historically significant than we had originally thought. We are grateful to XL for enabling us to undertake this work.'' The third floor would be retained as residential, the second floor as office space and the ground level wil be used for storage of artefacts found in the St. George's area.

An application for expansion has been received from the People's Pharmacy on Victoria Street. The store wants to alter and make additions to the existing premises, extending the eastern section of the shop.

TRUST TRANSFORMATION -- Paul Lowry, National Trust property committee chairman, Steve Conway, Trust property manager and Gavin Arton, senior vice-president of XL Insurance, examine plans for restoration work on Reeve Court.