Permission has been sought by the Government to convert an empty building at Southlands into a meeting and event centre for the Mirrors Programme.

A recent planning application proposed renovations and a change of use to Prima Vera Cottage, a former residence in the Warwick park, as “part of an overall proposal” for the improvement and development of Southlands.

Documents included in the application said the proposal was in line with planned improvements including the renovation and use of all derelict buildings on the property.

The documents said: “The renovation is planned to be carried out sympathetically, taking into consideration all the existing features of the building, the related areas and features of historic, environmental and other interest that need to be protected and preserved.

“The plan for the entire improvement/development is to remediate all the important areas and aspects of interest.

“It is envisaged that the proposed renovations and conversion will be accorded the appropriate attention and support to bring a derelict building into a beneficial use.”

The plans show significant proposed changes to the vacant two-bedroom residence including replacing the traditional Bermuda roof with a rooftop porch with covered and uncovered sections.

The interior of the building would be altered to include a meeting and office area, a large open space and a spiral staircase leading to the rooftop porch.

The application follows an earlier plan, approved by the Development Applications Board, to convert Quarry Cottage, another residence on the site, into an office space for the youth programme.

The proposal had been recommended for approval, with the Department of Planning noting that the Mirrors Programme was already operating in the park and involved in clean-up operations.

The Government acquired Southlands in 2012 through a land-swap deal involving Morgan’s Point, and the property was officially designated a national park in 2017.

Several proposals have been put forward for the park in recent years, including planning applications for a zip-line attraction and a café, but they have been met with calls to preserve the site.

The Government closed online consultation on a draft management plan for the 37-acre property in August, but said that the management plan was “separate and unrelated” to proposals for commercial development at Southlands.