HCL Group is to build a new golf course at Trincity in Trinidad as the centrepiece of the Millennium Park leisure development.

The park is to become a combination of shopping malls and hypermarkets, a business district and office park, hotels and a range of residential communities surrounded by the golf course.

Situated near the international airport at Piarco and eight miles outside Port of Spain, the island's capital, developer PGA Design Consulting says other countries in the region are recognising that 'quality' golf is an intrinsic part of resort development.

'With Tobago completed and new courses in Cuba and Trinidad underway, we are fast becoming a recognised force in the Caribbean for the design and development of new resort courses there,' said Bob Hunt, managing director.

The course is to be American in style, with three tee positions for each hole and will boast water features - with the Arouca river protecting an island green and 13 lakes and streams. Practice facilities will include a 20-bay covered driving range, practice grass tees, a short game area and putting green.

The course is to be ready for play by the 2003/4 season.