George's gets underway tonight.

For the ground-breaking ceremony for the first of two new town gates is to take place.

The move is the first building work from the St. George's Town Heritage plan, which Corporation chiefs started drawing up more than a year ago.

Corporation secretary Larry Jacobs said yesterday: "We are very pleased -- we're out of the planning phase and into the implementation. It's a very significant day for St. George's.

"They will announce to residents and visitors that they are entering a place which is special. The gates are the first project and the first of many.'' The new gate will be built at the town boundary on the airport side, where the first speed limit sign currently stands.

Another gate will be constructed at the top of Blacksmith's Hill near the theatre.

The heritage plan was drawn up to boost St. George's image by emphasising the town's history with good design.

The next improvements to take place will be in Customs House Square and Barber's Alley, with work scheduled to start this winter.

Both areas will be repaved and Customs House Square will be further revitalised by the use of Bermuda stone and trees to create an old-world, pedestrian-friendly area in the centre of town.

The ground-breaking ceremony will be at 7 p.m. at Wellington Road, west of Tiger Bay.

Future plans include lighting improvements, benches and old-style street paving. Larger car parks to cut down on congestion and a waterfront promenade from Somers Wharf to the east end of Town Square have also been pencilled in.

A new Heritage Centre underlining St. George's historical importance and its relations with the UK and USA will also be created.