An ambitious plan to turn Ordnance Island into a destination designed to showcase the island’s seagoing history was yesterday unveiled by the Corporation of St George.

The Corporation has already moved its set of stocks from King’s Square to the island and repositioned the statue of Sir George Somers as part of the plan, but Mayor George Dowling said more work was scheduled and a fundraising campaign launched to help pay for it.

Mr Dowling added: “Ordnance Island has played a significant part in our seafaring history, and we celebrate that history with monuments and attractions such as the replica of the Deliverance.

But he said: “This signature exhibit of Bermuda’s seafaring history and culture needs restoration.

“The Corporation of St George is celebrating this seafaring culture and all the people that contributed to it, and have announced a capital campaign not only to restore the Deliverance to a first-rate exhibit for students and visitors alike, but concentrate other exhibits and attractions on Ordnance Island to provide a prosperous activity location for local vendors and interesting experiences for our visitors.”

Mr Dowling said the Corporation also hoped to introduce water features to the island along with a playground.

He added: “We also want to redo the area around the Deliverance to make it more appealing, more accessible for people.

“We also want to add some food trucks and other vendors so we can get more people over here to make the island more welcoming to anyone who comes to visit our town.”

The Corporation has installed seven flagpoles on the island to recognise the countries that have played a significant role in the history of Bermuda and its people.

Mr Dowling said: “By acknowledging all the people who have contributed to our past we can, and will, build our future together on solid foundations.”

The flags of the UK, US, Portugal, Ghana, Angola and Canada are on display alongside Bermuda’s.

Mr Dowling said the plan to improve Ordnance Island had been slowed by the pandemic, but that progress had been made.

He said: “This phase of the project is only the beginning and St George’s is where it all began. We, at the Corporation of St George intend on telling that story.

“There are many stories to be told. Our phased approach will incorporate information boards to highlight our culture and history so that Bermudians and visitors can learn our stories and embrace the history and culture that is so uniquely ours.”

Mr Dowling said the planned St George’s Marina was still under discussion, with the proposal still to go to Cabinet for their approval.