The public is being invited to help shape the future of reclaimed land at Dockyard after its use as an Event Village for the America’s Cup is over.

The West End Development Corporation’s creation of nine acres of reclaimed land, known as Cross Island, is well under way, with seven loads of fill having already been delivered by ship.

Infrastructure and utilities such as power, potable and grey water, lift stations and communications, will soon be put in place after which the area will be prepared for the upcoming America’s Cup 2017 Event Village as an interim use.

Joanna Cranfield, Wedco’s Business Development Manager, said: “As has been well publicised, the end use for Cross Island was removed and Wedco must now determine the best use for this area post America’s Cup.

“Approval for the project was first announced in 2009 as part of a public-private partnership. The plan as originally announced included a marina with a mix of approximately 200 slips in a variety of sizes to accommodate both larger and smaller vessels.

“Marine support and club facilities were also to be included, as well as provision for a Marine College to provide the necessary education to Bermudians to enable them to choose a marine career.

“Marine and Ports were also to lease a portion of the new facility, using it to house all of its ferries and tugs.

“It was unfortunate that this plan cannot go ahead as originally planned but we understand and respect the reasons.

“Now we have to look to the future and we hope that as many people as possible attend the public meeting and we look forward to the ideas that they might bring to the table.”

Wedco will hold the meeting on March 23, from 7pm to 8pm, upstairs at the Clocktower Mall to share further information on Cross Island, its roots and subsequent creation.