Key parts of historic Ridgeway House are to be saved from destruction when the new Berkeley Institute is built.

There was an outcry from conservationists last month when it was revealed that the house -- one of the last remaining slave structures where the names of the craftsmen are known -- was to be demolished.

Now architects from the Works and Engineering Department are planning to preserve some parts of the structure, although the house itself, which was built in 1822, will be flattened.

Project architect Kyril Burrows said two cornerstones, the main entry, a fireplace, a bannister and a stairway will be preserved.

His team is deciding whether the artifacts will be displayed in a room in the school or incorporated into the design of the newly-built Berkeley Institute in Berkeley Hill, Pembroke.

As an historically black seat of learning, the remnants of Ridgeway House will be of particular interest to the school.

Mr. Burrows told The Royal Gazette : "The cry went up that this was a building that has cultural significance and some of the items we were looking at keeping because they are either not constructed in this way today or the detailing does not exist.

"We felt it would be better to allow people to touch it rather than just have it documented in print or on film.'' The demolition of Ridgeway House is due to take place within the week to make way for a new $60 million Berkeley Institute.

Mr. Burrows said his team has also taken video and photographic film of the house and made complete plans of the structure.

The decision was taken following meetings with the National Trust and Bermuda Art Gallery.