Pontoons will really float the boat at marina development
15 July 2010
Northampton’s new marina is starting to look ship-shape as the floating pontoons, which will be used by people to moor their boats, are installed. Already most of the 100 pontoons, which are being assembled in the construction site compound and moved to the marina before being floated into position using a small boat, have been fixed in place. It is expected that the last one will be installed by 23 July. The pontoons form a network of walkways across the marina. These will be used by boaters to secure their craft and gain access to the bank once the new facility is open.
Paul Arnold, Waterways engineer at the Environment Agency, is project manager for the marina development. He said: “The work to install the pontoons is progressing well and their presence on the partially filled marina really serves to highlight what the finished project will look like. I am sure that anyone looking at the development now will be able to imagine the very real benefits it will bring to Northampton and how it will serve to put the town on the boating map.”
In addition to the pontoons, landscaping is also about to begin at the marina. Staff from the Environment Agency’s Kettering office will be on site on 21 July planting 720 marginal plants. The plants, which will include loosestrife, aquatic grass, sedge and iris, will benefit wildlife and help to make the marina an attractive place to visit. The next stage of the development will see the infrastructure installed for water and electricity supplies to the pontoons.
The Environment Agency is constructing the marina on behalf of the Becket’s Park Partnership. The Partnership is made up of the Environment Agency, Northampton Borough Council, the River Nene Regional Park, Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). WNDC is the largest funding partner contributing £1.8m, with investment also secured from the County Council and Environment Agency.
Peter Mawson, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation said: “It is exciting to see the marina making such good progress and we’re sure it will be a big success with visiting boaters and local people. It is a sign of things to come for Northampton’s waterside, which is at the heart of plans to deliver new jobs and investment in the town. We are working with our partners to rejuvenate derelict and former industrial land along the river, providing high quality places for people to live, work and spend their leisure time.”
Northampton marina will offer 80 moorings, six of which will be for residential use. The remaining berths will be available for short term visitors and pleasure craft requiring long term leases. Moorings will also be available for operators of commercial leisure boats, such as hire boats and water taxis.
As part of long term plans to develop Northampton into The Market City, later phases of the Becket’s Park project could deliver new landscaping, lighting, cafés and restaurants, while providing a busy, exciting link between the town centre and the waterside. The marina is scheduled for completion in March 2011.
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Categories: Northampton