Portland Marina on course for April opening

Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas will have its biggest ever presence at the 2009 London International Boat Show, in preparation for the opening of the new Portland Marina in just three months’ time. 

The £24m 600-berth Portland Marina will form part of the venue for hosting the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.  Located in Portland Harbour, the marina is already operating for lift out and winter storage and will welcome its first berth holders and visitors this April.  On display at the show will be all the latest information about Portland Marina and its role in the Games, including a 3D model of the development, a fly-through DVD and a webcam feed from the site.

Demand for marina berths and commercial space on the site at Osprey Quay, Portland, has remained strong, despite the current financial climate.  In the first year of operation approximately 300 marina berths will be installed and a substantial number of these have already been taken.  With annual berths available up to 44m and rates starting from £402 per metre, the marina is attracting both powerboats and yachts from as far afield as the Clyde, Cardiff and Falmouth, as well as many relocating from the Solent. 

Dame Ellen MacArthur said:  “Dean & Reddyhoff has supported our sailing team for many years and it is really fantastic to see them opening a new marina which will be an enormous boost for UK yachting. I had the opportunity to see how work was progressing last year and was impressed by the scale of the project. I look forward to being there to witness all the action in 2012!”

James Beaver, Operations Director at Dean & Reddyhoff, said: “It’s really exciting to see the marina taking shape and we are very much on schedule for our April opening.  Being part of the venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has definitely helped to raise the profile of the site and there has been a high level of interest in the marina throughout the project.  On the strength of this we have our biggest ever presence at the London Boat Show this year and we are looking forward to a busy week ahead.”

Alison Hatcher, Head of Regeneration in Dorset for the South West RDA, which is investing £38 million in Portland, said: “Portland Marina is a cornerstone of the transformation of Osprey Quay into a magnet for marine sector and leisure-based activity and represents a significant investment by our development partner Dean & Reddyhoff. We’re delighted with progress and the strong commercial interest being shown in the project and are confident that it will play a vital role in unlocking Portland’s business potential by leaving an enduring legacy long after 2012.”

Construction of Portland Marina has been underway since October 2007 and has progressed at an impressive rate.  The marina’s 875-metre breakwater was finished last August and the structures of all the shoreside buildings are also in place, including the marina reception, washrooms, a 6,500sq ft bar/restaurant and 20 new commercial premises.  In addition, new 50T and 320T hoist docks have been constructed and the marina boatyard is already operating for lift out and winter storage.  Work is now focusing on the interiors of the buildings and landscaping, with installation of the pontoons scheduled to commence in February,