The quango responsible for the historic Royal Naval Dockyard has awarded two contracts to renovate four residential cottages and apartments.

Island firm Gray & Co will replace the roofs on two cottages, while RMS Construction will renovate two more cottages and carry out improvements to Sparlane Apartments.

The buildings are residential properties on the site and will continue to be rented out after renovations.

The contracts are part of the estimated $10 million investment of the West End Development Corporation on work at Dockyard this financial year.

Andrew Dias, general manager of Wedco, said the contracts reflected “a very small percentage” of the work awarded to Bermudian companies since the quango started operations.

He added: “Wherever possible, we award contracts to island-based firms. Sometimes the expertise we need is not available locally so we have no option but to go overseas.

“We are acutely aware of the importance of supporting local businesses. It helps to keep the money local, it supports local employment and is good for the overall economy.”

Apart from the $39 million Cross Island project for the America’s Cup event village, Wedco had also restored the Glassworks building, while the sail loft and Prince Alfred Terrace were the subjects of major renovation work.

Mr Dias said: “In the coming weeks, we will see other significant upgrades, including the Clocktower clocks and on other significant historical buildings.”

He added: “It is our goal to complete every historic building in the North Basin with the exception of the Victualling Yard, by the end of this fiscal year.

“Accomplishing this goal will be a milestone for Wedco and Bermuda.”

Mr Dias said: “The Royal Naval Dockyard is a major tourism hub which showcases many historically significant buildings and monuments — it is great to see these improvements being made.

“It is also great that Wedco has been able to, and continues to involve, so many local firms in the restoration of the former Royal Naval Dockyard.”