A vision of the future of Hamilton's waterfront was revealed yesterday.

And the possibilities seemed endless: cruise ship piers jutting out from waterfront, a bridge connecting the city to Paget, an amphitheatre gracing the water's edge.

The imagination seemed to run wild during an 'On The Waterfront' design exhibition opened yesterday at Number Six Shed.

The display arose from a competition asking residents for ideas to redevelop the waterfront.

As many as 66 professional and amateur designers took part, lured by the prospect of getting their ideas accepted and winning $70,000 in prize money.

The exhibition ? spearheaded by former Premier Sir John Swan with the support of the Bermuda Sun and the Bank of Bermuda ? won the backing of the Mayor of Hamilton, Lawson Mapp. The Corporation of Hamilton is anxious to breathe new life into the city.

Mr. Mapp was among the VIPs, including Premier Alex Scott, at yesterday's launch.

"Hamilton has one of the most beautiful harbours in the world but has yet to reach its full potential," he said.

During his welcoming speech, Mr. Scott said he was encouraged to see that Bermudians, young and old, were concerned about the waterfront's future.

"Recently, there have been some calls for a shared vision that would result in the development of a dynamic plan for our city and its waterfront. The entries in this competition are a microcosm of what could take place on a much larger scale if we coalesce around a common idea."

Sir John said Bermuda needed to be "revitalised", adding: "We're losing the authorship of our own country."

He hoped the competition would be just the beginning, pointing out that success would "require an ongoing dialogue".

Bank of Bermuda CEO Phillip Butterfield said: "He (Sir John) spends are money oh so well."

Bermuda Sun editor Tony McWilliam encouraged members of the community to come out and view the exhibition.

"At the very least it will stimulate thoughts and ideas about the waterfront."

Two Bermudian judges will be joined by three foreign judges who will choose three prize money recipients on March 16. The lucky trio will split $70,000 between themselves.

There will also be a people's choice award up for grabs, with members of the community deciding the winner.

Mr. Scott added: "When the community participates, we are all winners."