Construction work on upgrades to the St George’s Harbour shoreline has got under way in preparation for the return of regular cruise calls to the town this summer.

The redevelopment project will include a major facelift of Hunter’s Wharf to accommodate the two new Norwegian Cruise Lines ferries that will bring visitors to the East End from Dockyard as well as improvements to Penno’s Wharf.

Mayor Quinell Francis told The Royal Gazette that crews had made good progress and that work was anticipated to be completed by the end of March in time for the first cruise arrival on April 6.

“Crisson Construction started work on January 16 and so far it is going well,” Ms Francis said.

“The work on Hunter’s Wharf is to restore the sea wall that was destroyed by Hurricane Fabian. This wharf is going to be the new location for the ferries and the NCL tender.”

The $2 million project will also involve extensive improvements to Penno’s Wharf, including bollard replacements, refendering and dock resurfacing.

“Work on both Hunter’s Wharf and Penno’s will be completed by the end of March,” Ms Francis added.

“The project has been funded thanks to a $1.4 million grant from the Government, while the Corporation is putting forward the rest of the budget.

“While work is ongoing we would remind people that they cannot park in this area.

“If you are visiting the restaurants and shops in the west of the town, you should park in Tiger Bay, while if you are in the east of the town you should park in King’s Square of 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.