After pumping more than $1 million into renovating and refurbishing a Hamilton-owned waterfront property, an entrepreneur is hoping for key regulatory approvals this week to open what would become the Island's largest club.

If all goes well, Mr. Nelson Hunt expects Pier Six, at Number Six Dock on Front Street, will open within the next three weeks.

Utilising 6,000 square feet of the former cycle park inside -- together with other areas outside -- Inner Harbour Co. Ltd., the club's owner, intends to capitalise on the growing number of business groups visiting the Island.

No significant structural changes to the building have occurred, but the rooms have undergone a substantial refit, working around the constraints of cruise ship visits.

The significant security issue will be tackled by the company sealing off the dockside of the premises during cruise ship visits.

Mr. Hunt, Inner Harbour president, said that the first thing planned for the club is an invitation for taxi drivers, cruise ship, Tourism and other officials to visit the unique facility.

"We wish to entertain our partners in the tourism industry,'' said Mr. Hunt.

He made it clear that while it is likely that Bermudians will be a large part of the club's clientele, Pier Six is also likely to draw a lot of visitors.

The building can be anything from a conference room to a sports bar and a key feature is the flexibility to quickly adapt the room to a client's interest.

There are a number of monitors for video presentations, and he hopes to be able to pipe in live stock quotes for business groups.

International telephone and fax services will be available, with patrons able to purchase cards for their use from the club staff.

Mr. Hunt said that he anticipated a number of groups taking over the club for private functions and a large stage would be able to handle any type of entertainment.

A $90,000 sound and light system has been installed. Local artist, Mr. Al Seymour Sr., is painting a multi-faceted mural on the walls of the sound board, a collage of colourful Bermuda scenes.

"That will be a conversation piece,'' said Mr. Hunt. "We want to turn this into a fun house. This will not be your stand-up bar. There will be health and sports drinks at one end, and a health food menu.

"We want to host all different types, like a regular gospel brunch on a monthly basis. We have the sound system for it. And there will be other shows for visitors.

"But this won't be just for any bands, or for people to come here to train.

We want to put the system to good use, so only the best will be allowed on this stage. We want to ensure the best possible experience.'' Mr. Hunt said that for Bermuda to compete in tourism, the Island has to get better and offer a better tourism product.

"There's not a lot of people investing in tourism projects,'' he said. "I really believe in what we are doing and I feel that more people will start investing in projects related to tourism, especially once this one is a success.'' A canopy will be erected outside for dock-side tables holding 250 when ships are out of port. And another 250 can be entertained on the other side of the building below Front Street in a garden setting. There, Pier Six intends to provide a sidewalk cafe with a full kitchen.

Inside the building, 300 people can be hosted comfortably and special events could easily accommodate between 400 to 500 people if the event was held upstairs on the landing attached to Number Six Shed.

The property and the building are completely accessible to the handicapped, and the club will be linked to taxi services by radio.