A plan to boost the river Wye in Hereford as an activity and tourism spot has moved forward with new proposals for riverside boating facilities.

These would consist of a new concrete ramp with adjacent steps immediately in front of Hereford Sea Cadets’ base, between the Greyfriars and Hunderton bridges, with a “davit” or small crane alongside which would be removable and stored when not in use.

A more substantial powered jib crane, in yellow, would be installed at the neighbouring Hereford Rowing Club, enabling larger vessels to be moved onto and off the water. The riverside footpath would be diverted away from this.

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The proposal has been put forward by Vaga Marine Services, a community interest company made up of the rowing club and cadets, Hereford Rugby Club and representatives of the city’s Leftbank Village development.

It is part of the Wyeside project, one of the 15 schemes to improve the city under the government-backed £21-million Stronger Hereford programme.

The programme’s website says Wyeside will “transform the experience” of this section of the river, “making it safer, more accessible, more attractive and entertaining space for residents, river users and visitors”.

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The new facilities will enable disabled people to get on and off boats, will help with launching and recovery of small boats and equipment, and can be used for emergency fire and rescue service launches, it says.

Work on the project is already under way, with trees pollarded and CCTV installed, and is due to be completed in spring.

Comments on the planning application, numbered 233442, can be made until December 30.