Work to transform the South Basin in Dockyard into a state-of-the-art marina and boat yard is underway.

Test piles will be driven into the seabed this week as part of construction work on the marina arm.

Developers South Basin Limited are expected to apply for planning permission for the final stage of the project in the coming weeks.

The West End Development Corporation (Wedco) has released the first detailed plans of what the new marina will look like.

Wedco general manager, Andrew Dias, said work was progressing well.

“The project is moving as quickly as possible and making good progress,” he said.

“The vision is to revitalise the maritime industry — it’s part of our culture and heritage.

“In order to do that we need to attract overseas vessels to get back to the glory days and we need a designated area to do that.”

The project is designed to create jobs as well as make the West End a hub for passing super yachts.

The 11-acre development will also involve the construction a bridge within the next two weeks to connect the land with the arm of the marina that will sweep across the entranceway.

Inside the arm will be housed a new headquarters for Marine and Ports, a fully functioning boat yard as well as marina berths.

The boat yard will be equipped with specialised machinery that has the capacity to lift a boat of up to 600 tonnes or 250ft.

Mr Dias added: “South Basin Development has planning permission for the South arm bridge as well as a lease for the land and legislative approval to complete a land reclamation of up to 11.1 acres.

“Final drawings are expected to be submitted to the Department of Planning within weeks.

“An environmental impact survey as well as a historical impact survey have also been completed.”

Upon permission from the Department of Planning, the project is expected to take 18 months to complete and could come at the perfect time if Bermuda secures the 2017 America’s Cup.