Plans to redevelop parts of the St George’s Harbour shoreline to prepare for the return of regular cruise calls next year have been submitted to the Department of Planning.

The proposals will see a major facelift for Hunter’s Wharf to the east of Penno’s Wharf, to accommodate the two new Norwegian Cruise Lines ferries that will bring visitors to the East End from Dockyard.

The work is part of a major project to upgrade and improve several wharves in St George including Market Wharf, Ordnance Island and Penno’s Wharf.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, told The Royal Gazette the Market Wharf plans included replacement of the dock edge, new seating and shelter for arriving visitors and a change in the parking layout.

“We are putting fresh water lines into Penno’s Wharf and plan to fix up the building in time for the arrival of cruise ships next year,” Ms Francis said.

“We also need to do some major improvements to Hunter’s Wharf, which is where the two NCL ferries as well as the Millenium will dock because there will be a cruise ship at Penno’s.

“We want to provide shelter for the visitors and ensure the area reaches the required safety requirements.

“The plans were submitted on Friday and depending on the funding available we hope to start this work in January.”

Ms Francis also revealed that there were plans to initially repair and then later replace damaged parts of Ordnance Island and Market Wharf.

Twelve extra cruise ships are to call on St George’s each year from 2017 to 2022 as part of a deal between the Government and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

The agreement also includes bringing two catamaran ferries to the island for the run from Dockyard to the East End, along with a yearly investment of $150,000 by NCL to sponsor tourism enhancement in co-operation with the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Ms Francis said that business owners were excited about the prospect of more cruise calls in 2017.

“It’s an exciting time for the town,” she said. “The new calls will allow us to be more vibrant and showcase the town to more people.

“The businesses are on board and preparing for next summer. The corporation is also working to ensure we are ready for this influx and all the signage is in place by April next year.”