Marina Development: Yarmouth Harbour, Isle of Wight

CLIENT:
Yarmouth Harbour Commission
LOCATION:
ISLE OF WIGHT
COMPLETED:
2014
An iconic popular marine destination

Yarmouth Harbour is one of the most iconic marine leisure destinations in the UK. Strategically located at the entrance to the western Solent and providing immediate walk ashore access to the town of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, it is a destination that appeals to locally based vessels throughout the central south coast region of the UK and beyond.

Yarmouth Harbour Commission, in their Trust Port capacity, was seeking to review opportunities to expand the marine leisure offer and ensure the assets of the harbour are safeguarded for future generations.

it is a destination that appeals to locally based vessels throughout the central south coast region of the UK and beyond

Mike Ward, Marina Projects
Role of Marina Projects

Initially appointed to undertake a feasibility study for the expansion of the harbour area; a study that looked at the market opportunities and the various constraints to development. The main conclusion of the study was that the costs, risks and timetable associated with bringing forward such a concept were significant.

Furthermore, the study identified that there were very real opportunities to optimise use of the water space within the existing harbour area and redevelop the berthing to better accommodate the demands of the modern boating customer.

Plans were prepared for an overall redevelopment of the harbour that needed to respond to the following points:
Increase the provision of more convenient walk ashore berths
Maintain the ratio of visitor to resident berths without any reduction in resident berth provision
Recognise the peak tidal flows, particularly in the western part of the harbour
Optimise use of the water space Identification of solutions to upgrade utility services
Segregation of commercial vessels for leisure activity
Provide a degree of separation between resident and visitor vessel activity

the study identified that there were very real opportunities to optimise use of the water space within the existing harbour area

Dan McKiernan, Marina Projects
Results of the detailed review

The detailed review of the business case identified that a phased approach to development would bring benefits to the Commissioners; the income generating and value creating elements being brought forward in the first phase. A key element of the first phase proposals was the relocation of the existing quayside fuel berth to a floating pontoon facility that will accommodate up to 4 vessels at any one time, doubling the existing provision. The location nearer the harbour entrance avoids sterilising areas of water for queuing vessels and increases efficiency of the fuel berth facility.

In addition to the design element the scope of work included:
Detailed stakeholder and public consultation
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Establishment of a strategy to secure all necessary consents including, Planning Permission, FEPA and CPA licences, Flood Defence Consent
Business planning and detailed funding negotiations with financial institutions
Procurement of the works and assisting the client with project management of the delivery phase