A yacht docking area in the East End will be improved if an application for renovation work is backed by planners.

A planning application said fencing would be put up on Ordnance Island and Market Wharf in St George to separate the dock from public areas.

Water and power supply pedestals would be installed along the waterfront to service boats, and a low-lying area on Ordnance Island would be built up to keep it above high-tide level.

Seawall steps in the area would also be filled in but ladders into the water would be retained for safety reasons.

The application was submitted by Botelho Wood Architects on behalf of the Corporation of St George and St George’s Marina Development Ltd, which will operate the new-look docks.

Documents included in the planning application said that the proposed changes were part of a bigger plan to transform the area into a key yachting destination.

One document said: “Much of the main dock is in seriously deteriorating condition and a separate application to replace it will be made soon.

“There is consideration for replacing the boardwalk to the existing concrete dolphin with a rigid structure as indicated or possibly a floating dock.

“These future enhancements will certainly be beneficial for visiting super yachts and, should the need arise, be suitable for docking cruise ships.”

The Corporation of St George has wanted to build a marina at Ordnance Island for years as part of an attempt to revitalise the town, which has struggled in recent years because of a lack of cruise ships.

Wayne Furbert, the acting public works minister, said last year that the Government would contribute $1.5 million of the $2.7 million needed to build a new wharf on Ordnance Island, with an expected completion date of May.

He told the House of Assembly that the Corporation of St George would come up with the other $1.2 million for the redevelopment through the Unesco World Heritage Fund.

Mr Furbert added that the corporation would sign a 21-year — less one day — lease with the St George’s Marina Development Ltd to develop and manage the marina in a public-private partnership.