look at a scaled down version of the original plans.

The initial scheme involved an ambitious $300 million resort with housing, golf, hotel and ancillary businesses at the Morgan's Harbour site -- but any future plans may have to be somewhat smaller, it has been revealed.

It is unclear whether a new bidder will enter the frame for the site, but it is understood that a consortium headed by BCM MacAlpine owner Alan Burland is waiting in the wings.

Mr. Burland could not be contacted for comment last night, but Tourism Minister David Allen said there were "other irons in the fire'' with regard to the land.

"Just because it seems as though this proposal won't happen, it doesn't mean another won't come along,'' he said.

Mr. Allen said he could not comment further on the project, as Bermuda Land Development Company property comes under the control of Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister.

Mr. Lister could not be contacted yesterday.

Details about the failed deal began to emerge, following last Wednesday's bombshell announcement that the Government had broken off negotiations with Morgan's Harbour Investment Limited (MHIL).

It is understood that although Government said MHIL had failed to sign a formal agreement, it has come to light that the developers, and their partner the West Group, were waiting for agreement on various concessions at the site.

The investors were waiting for Government clarification on fine details of concessions, surrounding the sale of houses, ferry services, import duties on goods for the project and other fundamental issues.

As a new use for the site is yet to be identified, an insider close to the project has said it may be time to re-evaluate the original concept with a simpler idea.

The source said it was clear that a golf and housing scheme would work, but that the "hotel and resort'' factor sent the costs sky high and thus complicated the investment.

He said a possible future plan could include some resort facilities, but not all of what was previously planned.

"Maybe they would want to define what they want to achieve up there,'' he said.

MILITARY BASES MIL