Empty warehouses in Dockyard could become a new West End base for Marine and Ports, according to a planning document.

The plans, submitted earlier this month, propose turning three unused warehouses on the eastern side of Freeport Drive into workshops for the department.

The project would include the creation of a concrete dock and two new ferry and tug berths on the nearby waterfront.

The plans show one of the warehouses equipped with bathrooms, offices, meeting and training rooms along with storage space through interior renovations.

The second would include a machine shop, electrical and mechanical bays, welding areas and further offices, with training rooms, bathrooms and showers upstairs.

The third warehouse would include further offices and storage areas, in addition to a carpentry shop area, spray shop area and a solar workshop.

Lawrence Scott, the Minister of Transport, yesterday declined to give a timeline for the project, but said it would help the Marine and Ports carry out their duties.

Mr Scott said: “We are making sure that we are providing a necessary and purpose built facility for our Marine and Ports staff.

“It also allows for work to go on without hindering the visiting public or putting anybody in harm’s way.”

it is not known how much the specific project will cost, but Marine and Ports was allocated a Total Authorised figure (TAF) of $2.75 million for warehouse renovations in the Budget, $1.654 million of which was budgeted for the current financial year.

The Department has also filed an application for internal renovations to its offices on Crow Lane to improve its water system.

The plans include converting an existing guardhouse into a water pump station and the installation of new water and waste water lines.