The West End’s historic Moresby House, also known as HMS Malabar, is to be restored and converted to office space, with the job expected to conclude by April 2017.

According to the West End Development Corporation, the Ministry of Public Works has provided a grant to have the job done in time.

The former naval supply headquarters was built in 1899 as the residence of the Office-in-Charge of Works. It has stood empty since the Royal Navy withdrew from Dockyard in 1995.

The Malabar building’s deterioration over the last 20 years, worsened by hurricane damage, has been a repeated point of concern for historians, including the Naval Dockyards Society in Britain.

Andrew Dias, general manager of Wedco, said that Moresby House would be earmarked for commercial offices, promoting Dockyard as an area of “work, rest and play”.

Designs for the building have been submitted to the Department of Planning, Mr Dias said, with Wedco expecting to advertise tenders “very soon”.

Added Craig Cannonier, the Minister of Public works: “To see this fine building restored to its formal splendour will be fitting tribute to the building’s rich history.

“Located at the mouth of Dockyard, this culturally and historically significant building will serve as a precursor of what’s to come for those entering our historic Dockyard — where the buildings tell a tale of times gone by.”

That tale has been at risk in recent years, with a number of historic buildings left unused — but the 2017 America’s Cup has added a significant boost to renovation efforts.

Wedco has been engaged in widespread restoration works, with completed jobs including the renovation of the Glassworks building, a makeover of the Sail Loft, work on the North Basin building and the renovation of the Spar Lane Apartments.