A derelict building on Coney Island could soon be revived as a facility for scouts.

A recent planning application proposed converting the vacant Fisheries Cottage in St George’s into a new meeting place for members of the organisation.

The Scout Association of Bermuda said in a letter included in the submission it believed that, in order to grow, it required facilities for all levels of scouts to meet and camp regularly.

“When the opportunity came about to lease these premises, careful consideration was given and we felt this would be best to grow our presence in the East End and provide a unique property to do so,” the letter stated.

“Our plans for the premises without changing the exterior footprint and minimal interior work is to provide a meeting and assembly room for our current and future scout groups to meet along with a basic kitchen, storage room and restroom facilities, which will also allow for camping on the grounds and within the premises.”

The documents noted that the Bermuda National Trust helped the organisation appreciate the history of the Grade 3 listed building, and that displays would be installed at the site to highlight its past.

The Department of Parks expressed support of the plan in a letter, and said: “We are in agreement that the fencing proposed for this property is in keeping with their proposal for additions and alterations for their purposes.

“We have discussed that the fencing will not impede those that regularly use the park and will not take away from the fact that it is a public park for all to use.”

The Bermuda National Trust website highlighted the cottage, which includes decorative features such as raised gable ends, corner pilasters and a small parapet on the south end.

While it is not known when the property was built, it appeared on a 1898/1901 ordinance survey map and the building was likely used as part of an isolation hospital for infectious diseases on Coney Island.

“Fisheries Cottage became known as Crockwell’s Cottage when it was rented by the late Inspector Custerfield Crockwell and his family,” the BNT website said.

“Afterwards it was used as a storage and lab facility by Marine Resources.

“However, its location in a public park with a nearby beach made the cottage a target for vandalism and it was often broken into.”