The Island's first marina for mega-yachts is to be built at Dockyard, Government announced last night.

Cross Island Marina will be built under a private-public partnership between the West End Development Company (Wedco) and South Basin Development Ltd.a company formed specifically for this project. The Ministry of Works and Engineering announced the plans last night and W&E Minister Derrick Burgess and Wedco Chairman Walter Lister will release more details at the International Boat Show in Fort Lauderdale.

It will include a mix of approximately 200 slips in a variety of sizes —100 to 250 feet and possibly in excess of 300 feet long — to accommodate both mega-yachts and those smaller in size.

Support and club facilities will also be built.

A spokesman said: " The development of Cross Island Marina will be a major step in the continuation of the redevelopment of the area where the former Royal Navy Dockyard was located."

This redevelopment already includes a water treatment plant, new cruise terminal expansion, homes, restaurants and shopping facilities.