Government.

The project, which has taken nearly six years from start to finish, aims to bring hundreds of famous, valuable and important Island buildings under protection of legislation.

Around 800 structures from St. George's to Dockyard have been selected to go on the proposed listing of a Building of Special Architectural or Historical Interest.

The move will mean special protection for the buildings, which range from well-known Government properties to forts and even butteries, and will ensure their importance is taken into account in future plans.

It will be Bermuda's first comprehensive list of "special'' buildings and will mark the Government's determination to see the island's history and rich culture preserved.

Previously, just three buildings were on the list.

By next Thursday, letters will be arriving at homes across the Island informing them that their property has been chosen to join the list.

Announcing the plan, Environment Minister Harry Soares stressed the list was by no means complete -- there is scope for additional buildings that may have been missed in the survey and there is the possibility that people may not want their building on the list.

An inherent part of the process will be a consultation phase with owners, to get their feedback on the details of the property and any additions they wish to make.

Buildings "I think it is a most significant initiative,'' said Mr. Soares. "We are bringing into focus our historic buildings, protecting our heritage and culture as well as saying "we have got something special here''.'' Bermudians, he said, value their property and by acting now the Government has moved to block any possible loss of valuable heritage, thus preserving the Island's unique history -- for its residents but also for its visitors.

The task of surveying the Island's buildings was done by the Historic Buildings Advisory committee, comprising chairman Andrew Trimingham, Margie Lloyd, John Adams, Judy Anderson, Jolene Bean, Marilyn Simmons and the late Rosemary Clipper. The panel undertook five-and-a-half years of painstaking, unpaid research.

Mr. Soares paid tribute to their dedication: "The committee put in a lot of long hours over a long term. They have used their expertise for the benefit of our Country.'' Included in the details sent to owners are procedures for sending in comments on the proposed listing and information explaining what it means.

For example no alterations or demolition may take place without permission, but free advice is available from Planning officials on planned changes.

In addition planning fees are waived and the building code is relaxed as planning applications become subject to comments from the HBAC, before proceeding to the DAB.