One of Bermuda’s historical treasures could soon be brought back to life as a thriving retail complex, tourism attraction or business centre.For the West End Development Corporation (Wedco) is inviting entrepreneurs and developers to produce plans to transform the former Victualling Yard at Dockyard into a working building once again.The yard, which consists of two large buildings once used as warehouses and an open square, was built by the British military at the start of the 19th century.The complex was abandoned in the 1950s, and has remained largely unused ever since.But Wedco bosses have been working to upgrade the infrastructure of Dockyard — and have now issued an Expression of Interest, inviting developers to get the victualling yard operating.But while the Government quango is “open to all suggestions”, any development will have to respect the historic significance of the site. The victualling yard was the centre of naval operations within Dockyard when it was first built, housing essential supplies. As a result, it is secured by high walls and a number of large stone warehouses.“We want to have a revitalisation of the existing buildings so that they continue to live for future generations,” Andrew Dias, the Wedco General Manager, said. “The worst thing that can happen to these structures is that they remain empty. At the same time we have to strike a balance with their history, and that’s not always easy.“Over the last ten years we have been developing areas and looking to upgrade parts of Dockyard. What we’re doing now with the victualling yard is seeing if there are any interested parties out there who have an idea for running a business there.“We have our own ideas as to how the site could be best used, but we don’t want to curb any potential entrepreneurs who may have plans that are better than our own. So really, apart from some limitations because of the nature of the site, we’re very much open to suggestions. It’s quite a large area and of course, like the rest of Dockyard, is of significant historical value to Bermuda. So it could be used for anything at all, from retail, commercial, or mixed use, but it would have to fit in with the existing Dockyard. We need it to be open for the market to have a look at.” Mr Dias pointed out that Dockyard was a thriving facility flooded with cruise ship passengers during the summer — and was therefore a prime location for business opportunities.“It’s not something that came out of the woodwork, it’s part of a long-term plan to develop the whole area,” Mr Dias said.“We’ve been upgrading and expanding gradually and continuously over the years. “We have fixed a lot of the infrastructure such as power and sewage and water so that the facility can support businesses.“But this new development is not going to happen overnight. This is an initial expression of interest to see if there are people out there with the business expertise and financial ability to develop it and then after that there would be a request for proposal.According to a Wedco advertisement, the Expression of Interest is available for collection at the organisation’s offices or by e-mail from marketing@wedco.bmSubmissions have to be returned before November 30 and shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a detailed presentation to the Wedco Board early next year.For more pictures click http://www.royalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Site=RG&Date=20130820&Category=ISLAND10&ArtNo=820009999&Ref=PH