Buckler’s Hard phase one redevelopment completed

Walcon Marine has completed the first of two phases that will see the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the iconic Beaulieu River undergo a redevelopment programme. This is being achieved by a complete rebuild of the marina and the adding of increased capacity via extensions to all six piers and creating increased walk ashore berthing.

While as much of the old infrastructure as possible has been refurbished and reused, all the existing finger pontoons have been replaced and additional new pontoon equipment supplied for connecting to the pier extensions. Sections of the main walkway have also been replaced.

The initial phase got underway on 1st October 2019, when Walcon began the removal of the fuelling dock together with the three upstream piers and their greenheart timber piles. These were all stored on-site while dredging took place over the winter, and then re-installed in the spring before being refurbished in situ. All the new pontoons plus additional ‘hybrid’ timber piles were delivered to the site as required, to suit the agreed programme.

Phase one of the works was completed following the easing of lockdown and the marina reopened in late June, in time for the lifting of the restrictions on boat owners returning.

Given the marina’s location in the New Forest National Park, the works were undertaken in a sensitive and sustainable manner, with the refurbishment of the existing pontoons and introduction of bespoke ‘hybrid’ timber piles examples of this. In addition, Walcon avoided the generation of additional road traffic to the marina by accessing the site mainly by sea. Its three barges were deployed to bring in the new pontoons as well as to assist with the movement of the existing units. The piling was undertaken in accordance with strict licence conditions by the Walcon Wizard, also operating directly from Walcon’s waterfront facility at nearby Vancouver Wharf, Southampton.

When fully completed in Spring 2021, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour will have an additional 60 berths capable of taking boats up to 30 metres in length, bringing the total to 175.

“The initial phase of the marina’s redevelopment has been a notable achievement for all involved,” says Beaulieu Enterprises MD Russell Bowman. “Working under the guidance of our retained consultants Marina Projects Ltd, Walcon Marine has delivered the first phase of the project under exceptionally difficult circumstances and to a very high standard. Due to the hard work of the team involved, we are pleased that our customers have been able to enjoy the marina this summer and we look forward to working with Walcon again later this year to finish this exciting project.”