could be open by March, Health Minister Nelson Bascome revealed.

Government is now renovating the former Fairhavens drug rehab site on Victoria Street for the centre which will be known as the Office on Aging.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome said: "It is a resources centre for our seniors so they don't have to negotiate through the web of government services -- it's a one-stop shop.

"It might be open in April but I am hoping we can beat that deadline.

"Government departments can help seniors negotiate through financial assistance and pensions.'' Medical services can also be arranged at the same time said the Minister.

He said: "The building is in a perfect location. It's a big building.

"A pharmacy is right next door and the health department is right across the street.

"There are a number services you can be connected to.'' "I have spoken to St. Paul's AME church who own it and we have come to an agreement.'' However the building will not be used a social centre explained Mr. Bascome.

Plans for the one-stop shop have been around since 1998, under the previous Government. Mr. Bascome said: "Every time a building has come up the location wasn't correct or it wasn't wheelchair accessible or able to accommodate seniors on walking frames. "But this is perfect -- and it's in Hamilton.

There will also be special parking.'' The seniors advocacy group Age Concern could also get a presence in the building.

Its Executive Director Claudette Fleming said: "That's a definite possibility.'' She said one-stop shops were popular in Canada and the States and would help cut red tape.

She added: "It's a great idea. It will also help coordination between government departments and it will make people aware of what they are entitled to.'' But she said social workers were needed to find out what's going on in the community to ensure that if seniors aren't coming to the new centre the services are brought to them instead.