Marina

A marina of 150-berths will help to meet the increased demand for berthing in Weymouth, which offers the most diverse sailing area at all levels and competencies. Its position is perfect for cruising the south coast and its "aspect" is the most favourable on the south coast for trips to the Channel Islands and France. It is therefore one of the most interesting and sustainable locations for a marina in the U.K.

The marina is an asset which has the capacity to deliver a number of strategic benefits:

• It provides new first line sea defences, essential to meet new Environment Agency Criteria linked to global warming
• It has the capacity to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and self funding/self maintaining
• It has the capacity to expand and help sustain the current marine economy and encourage those with higher disposable income to purchase goods and services locally

The north breakwater was proposed as a significant new public pier and Jurassic coast viewing platform. However, the smaller marina proposed by the amended masterplan will reduce the public pier and Jurassic coast viewing platform. It is too early to predict the impact of this at this time.

click to enlarge

The smaller marina will provide reduced benefits but does allow the coastal flood protection measures to be disguised within the marina breakwaters. If there was no marina at all, substantial monolithic concrete sea defences would be required on the existing peninsula reducing access and increasing visual intrusion.

The marina will only proceed if hydrological and beach surveys conclusively demonstrate that there will be no adverse effect on the bay and harbour. HR Wallingford is currently finalising this study which should be available during March 2007.