a bid by the Island's first capital to become a world recognised site, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Mr. Mowbray -- who was heavily involved in the Bank of Bermuda's Centennial Trust committee before his recent retirement -- will be named chairman of the St. George's Foundation at the Town Hall tomorrow.

No-one from the Foundation's backers could be reached for confirmation last night.

But earlier, St. George's Mayor Henry Hayward said the new body would be responsible for raising cash to turn the St. George's Heritage Plan into a reality.

He said: "The St. George's Foundation will play a major role in the development of our Heritage Plan by seeking funding from the local and international communities.

"Other historically significant towns in the world have foundations which serve a similar purpose.'' It is also hoped the original capital of the Island will be awarded World Heritage site designations from UNESCO in recognition of its role as a link between the old world and the new.

New town gateways marking the town boundary and the preservation area are near completion, as is the first street restoration project in Barber's Alley.

The Foundation is the latest step in a long-term, back-to-the-future plan drawn up to bring the town's history to life.

The Heritage Plan included special planning to improve design standards in the town -- enhancing and preserving the existing history of St. George's.

Specific plans include standardised street lighting, benches and paving surfaces for the old town, more emphasis on heritage-based activities like re-enactments and archaelogical digs and a traffic management scheme.