Dockyard.

The West End Development Corporation has invited people to come up with proposals.

Entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of converting five adjoining buildings into the bed and breakfast hotel.

A site at Dockyard Terrace -- near North Basin and the Victualling Yard -- has been earmarked for the development.

The area is well known for its Victorian architecture. The bus stop and ferry terminal are nearby.

Last night Wedco's general manager Mr. George F. Smith said five people had expressed interest in the plan, which was advertised yesterday.

"Obviously we have had no firm proposals as yet,'' he added.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge last night said he was excited at the prospect of a small hotel -- which would have up to 20 beds.

He had visited the area, and found it very attractive.

"The buildings are very spacious, with beautiful fireplaces, and huge rooms.

They are also close to the docks.'' Properly refurbished, the buildings could be converted into a very good hotel, he added.

Wedco has considered building on the site for around a year.

The Corporation wanted somewhere for tourists to stay, and enjoy the historic beauty of the area.

"We felt the area had developed to a stage that we could have a small hotel or guest house,'' Mr. Smith said.

Mr. Smith said a market strategy had been carried out, and a hotel was thought a "viable proposal''.

He explained the five buildings -- each covering 2,000 square feet -- had been used by the executives of the Royal Navy.

They enjoyed views of the water, and had gardens at the front.

"They are in good condition although they need some refurbishing to bring them up to standard.

"We believe there could be between 15 and 20 bedrooms altogether.'' Mr. Smith said WEDCo had no fixed idea about the hotel.

"We are basically very flexible, and will look at whatever ideas are presented to us by developers.

"Obviously we would prefer a local developer, and those who have shown interest so far are primarily local.'' Mr. Smith pointed out a foreign investment could only have 40 percent of the shares in the development.

"We would have no objection if a local developer came forward and 40 percent of the capital was from overseas.'' Mr. Smith also pointed out Wedco would continue to own the buildings.

"The developer could only lease them from us.'' New Wedco chairman Mr. Scott Hunter said last night: "This is something that has been considered for a while.

"We think some development like this is really consistent with the multi-use concept we are trying to encourage in Dockyard, both from the standpoint of local industry, the hospitality industry, and the tourism industry.

"We are asking for someone to come up with a development concept. We are not specifying what that concept should be.'' Mr. Hunter said the proposed hotel was designed to enhance the attraction of Dockyard for tourists.

Wedco has offered to arrange tours of the site for prospective developers.

Anyone interested should call Ed Williams or Miranda Gilbert on 234-1709.