The former Club Med property could be costing taxpayers up to $300,000 a year to look after while new operators are sought.

Security and maintenance of the former 300-bedroom property are soaking up most of the estimated six-figure sum, as Government tries to find new management for the resort.

The lot falls under the watch of Works and Engineering.

Several parties have shown interest in developing the property, which closed in 1988 under the former UBP Government's watch, but so far there have been no concrete plans put forward.

It is thought likely any proposals will include building residences and could involve either renovating the hotel building or demolishing it.

However, the uncertainty over what the future shape the resort may take -- and what features any new operator may want to retain -- means Government has to leave the premises as it is.

St. George's North MP Delaey Robinson said he wasn't aware of the financial burden of looking after the site, but said there was no easy solution to the problem.

"It is one of those horrible dilemmas,'' he said. "If the only possible way you can get it operating again, so it is a source of revenue to the country, is by leaving the building and maintaining it, then you are doing the right thing.

"However, somebody may come along and say they want to knock it down to build a boutique hotel.'' Mr. Robinson said the Government had to hedge its bets, so they could entertain bidders who may want to erect a modern property or revamp the existing structure.

Suggestions have been made in the past that it be used for temporary housing, and at one point a number of squatters were living inside, enjoying free electricity.

But the MP said that would not be a good idea for a property which could become the focus of a bid at any time.

"If it is used for housing and at some point a developer comes along, what are you going to do with all the people housed there? It could create a problem. It is better to deal with the housing problem from a long-term point of view than quick fixes.'' Questions on the cost of looking after the property were faxed to Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott. There was no reply by press time last night.