AN AMBITIOUS project to transform the community of Castletown on Portland is in its final stages.

As reported in the Echo, work is underway to rejuvenate Castletown with new tourist attractions and business facilities, creating a 'gateway' to the island.

The development is masterminded by Nemesis Properties owner Derek Luckhurst, who also owns care provider Agincare, based in Castletown.

The completion date for the Crabbers Wharf development is within sight and will officially open in spring.

The mastermind behind the project is Derek Luckhurst, owner of Nemesis Properties and Agincare.

The Crabbers Wharf development will feature 14 industrial units on the ground floor and nine letting units on the first floor.

A convenience store has been integrated into the development as well as a tourist information centre. Plans are also in motion for a Weymouth to Portland ferry.

Mr Luckhurst said: "It's exciting to be in the final stages of this development.

"One of the ideas behind Crabbers Wharf is to bring the marine industry back to Castletown. Fisherman disappeared in this area about 30 years ago and the Castletown has been under appreciated for decades.

"I hired a team to clear out all the debris from the harbour and from that we are already seeing fisherman returning regularly.

"We've created some upmarket apartments with stunning sea views and facilities which will bring some much needed revenue to the area. They will be available from the Easter bank holiday.

"The Portland Community Partnership were keen to have a tourist information centre in Castletown so we have listened to what people want and need and are incorporating that into the development.

"We are planning to run a trip from Weymouth to Castletown pier on a boat that was used in the evacuation of Dunkirk."

Further plans are in motion for six stone carvings to be erected upon the Phoenix Caissons in different poses.

The carvings will be of two British sailors, two American GI and two dockyard matey's.

The Portland Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Units were assembled as part of the follow-up to the Normandy landings during World War II. Out of a total of 148 produced units, two units still remain at the Isle of Portland. The two units became Grade II Listed in May 1993.

The proposals were previously refused by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. It was previously planned to have all six carvings as American soldiers but now Mr Luckhurst has included the British sailors and civilians. The proposal was recently approved by Portland Town Council and will go before WPBC later this year.