A second phase of work to revitalise St George’s as a yachting destination has been formally approved by the Development Applications Board.

The Marina Development Company — the body behind the St George’s marina project — sought approval to replace a deteriorating catwalk with a floating dock at Ordnance Island, along with making improvements to the site.

The application, which went before the DAB on Wednesday, was described as Phase 2B of the marina project.

In a report for the DAB, a planning officer said the proposal would result in minimal damage to existing features of the site and complied with all relevant planning policies.

The report noted that the project would include the creation of a new veranda on the southern side of 9 Ordnance Island, the former cruise ship terminal building.

“While 9 Ordnance Island has been honoured with an award for outstanding design when built in the 1980s, the building itself is not listed, though it remains under the consideration of the Historic Protection Area,” the report said.

“The proposal seeks to incorporate a ramp for universal access and a covered porch for more comfortable access into the proposed visitor centre.

“While the proposal is larger than the existing veranda, and more modern in design with a flat roof, it is designed to fit its proposed use as a shaded welcome area for arriving yacht guests.”

The report writer added that the project was intended to attract tourists and local boaters to the East End.

“While it is a considerable amount of development, it will remain level with the existing building, with no accessory buildings proposed that may affect public view or the town’s historic significance,” the officer said.

“The town was designated as a World Heritage Site for ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ as one of the oldest surviving English urban settlements in the ‘new world’ and, when first established, was operated as an international port.

“The proposed works would re-establish the historically active docks and contribute to the town’s historic designation as an industrial maritime settlement.”