St Martin has big plans for Marigot Bay Harbour.

The French Caribbean tourism hub has launched an international tender for developers looking to enter into an economic investment partnership for a “sustainable tourism project” on the site.

The project includes the development of some 21-hectares of reclaimed land, the dredging and excavation of a shipping channel; creation of berthing facilities to accommodate small and medium-sized cruise ships, mega-yachts and inter-island ferries; construction of seawalls and other infrastructure.

St. Martin’s government said it envisaged the creation of a luxury conference hotel and beach resort, along with private residences and shops aimed at enhancing the waterfront of Marigot, its capital city.

Any developer would be required to develop public areas, including parks and other public facilities, to “build on the authenticity and character of the city and ensure local employment over the life of the project.”

Developers will reportedly have three months to respond to the bid, with development planned to launch in mid-2017.

St. Martin said it would be offering incentives for the selected developer.

Interested developers can obtain tender documents by emailing Carole Bique carole.bique@com-saint-martin.fr,