New £900,000 marina for Lincolnshire

Work has now started on the commercial and pleasure boat marina at Sutton Bridge.

Site of new marina at Sutton Bridge, Liuncolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council hopes the new £900,000 marina will be “an impressive new gateway to the county”, as well as providing a much needed economic boost for the local area.

Engineering works began on 25 April with the installation of power and water supplies. This involved trenching works along the riverbank.

This will be followed by the driving of piles into the riverbed and the attaching of new mooring pontoons and access brow. This is scheduled to begin around 1 June.

Old moorings will be decommissioned and a new bank-top footway constructed before the marina comes into operation early next year.

Up to 20 boats will be able to use the new leisure moorings. Each mooring point will provide boaters with electricity and water connections at the tie-up point, while a car park will allow marina users to leave their cars safely off the road while tending their boats.

The commercial moorings will ensure that both the Nene navigation pilot boat and the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) can remain based in Sutton Bridge.

Commenting on the new marina, the council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, Colin Davie said: “The marina will act as a gateway to the county, and we want to make it as attractive to visitors as possible.

“We anticipate it will lead to increased visitor numbers, many of whom will be using local shops, pubs and restaurants. We also expect to see opportunities arise for businesses providing services for the boating community,” he stated.

“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy, something that will benefit businesses and residents alike. I’m delighted to see the work begin, and look forward to seeing the completion of this important development for the village,” concluded Davie.

The works to create the marina are expected to be completed by autumn 2016 and boat owners are likely to be able to begin using the new facility in early 2017.

Funding for the project has come from Lincolnshire County Council, a s106 community development fund for Sutton Bridge, and the two commercial users.

Applications from boat owners seeking mooring space are now being invited and can be made to the Lincolnshire County Council’s Economic Development Service on 01522 550600.