Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott assured local construction and labour companies that work on the new Berkeley Institute complex will be a "consortium'' of Bermudians.

"The scale of the project should ensure that many Bermuda companies will participate in, and benefit from, this scheme. A project of this size and complexity maybe best built by a consortium.'' Construction is planned to begin in the New Year at the site on Ridgeway property which spans the Berkeley Road, from St. John's Road to opposite Northlands Primary. The 230,000-square-foot complex includes a gymnasium and cafetorium -- a dual purpose cafeteria and auditorium and will take just under three years.

Works and Engineering technical officer Kyril Burrows said: "It represents a fine quality of Bermudian architecture.'' Mr. Scott said Government is sympathetic to the history attached to Ridgeway property and are taking precautions.

Parts of the Ridgeway Home to be saved are the main entrance, stairwell, fireplace and cornerstone.

The Minister said they would try to incorporate the remaining parts of the Ridgeway building with the Berkeley complex.

Government will host a presentation on Thursday at 3.00 p.m. in the Samuel David Robinson Memorial Hall at Berkeley Institute were detailed plans, models and a screen presentation of the new complex will be shown.

Neighbours and interested parties are invited to attend.