MDL’s Hamble Point Marina to receive £1.2m upgrade

MDL’s Hamble Point Marina in Southampton, on the UK’s south coast, is undergoing a significant upgrade to its facilities. The UK marina group says the £1.2m investment will ensure its berth holders, tenants and visitors have access to the very best facilities, helping to enhance their marina experience.

The investment works include refurbishing the toilet facilities by the Ketch Rigger bar and restaurant. Due for completion this spring, the facilities will see a refreshed layout, a PIR-operated lighting and ventilation system helping to reduce energy consumption, and a large improvement to the overall look and feel. The current bins adjacent to the toilets will be relocated within a purpose-built bin storage.

There will also be resurfacing works to the main road leading to the dry stack and berth holders’ car park, relining the valley gullies on MDL’s large tenant building, enhancing the current central waste compound with an attractive symmetrical façade and high fence lines, as well as new lighting to the area, security cameras and access control.

The marina, at the mouth of the River Hamble, is also introducing Meter MACS’ Smart electricity technology across its boatyard. The new system will offer berth holders complete control to manage their own electricity account, with 24/7 access for online payments and automatic notifications of any interruptions to the power supply.

With its position on the River Hamble within close proximity to the Solent, Hamble Point Marina is one of MDL’s busiest marinas, catering to a wide variety of boats of all sizes.

“We strive to provide the best possible experience,” says Debbie Burns, Manager of Hamble Point Marina. “Our customers will always be our topmost priority, and so investment in our infrastructure, large or small, is essential to ensuring our high standards continue to be met.”

In the pipeline for 2024 includes a new scheme for the marina car park to improve parking and security for berth holders, tenants and visitors. Additionally, a proposed insulated container village providing workshop units and fishermen stores will offer improved land storage as well as valuable workshop space for new and existing occupiers.

The container is also set to incorporate a significant solar PV scheme, moving MDL forward with its ambitions around the carbon reduction of its marinas.

A redesign of the berth holders’ facilities near the marina office is also planned. The proposed revamp will double the size of the current facilities and provide individual toilet and shower rooms, along with dedicated family and disabled washrooms. Additionally, PIR-operated lighting will be integrated to reduce energy consumption and ensure efficient operation.

As one of Europe’s largest marina groups, MDL will continue to invest significantly across its network of marinas and products, with £30m allocated for investment over the next five years.

In February, MDL Marinas revealed it has partnered with marine digitalisation firm Falco and its marina management software provider Havenstar to trial smart marina technology at Hamble Point Marina.

Connecting the marina office, staff, and boaters digitally, the smart marina wireless technology detects occupancy in real time using motion sensors installed at each berth.

The technology allows marina teams to have instant data on boat movements, providing more accurate numbers in terms of spaces available for visiting yachts at any given time.

This second-phase rollout comes following a successful pilot programme at its Queen Anne’s Battery marina in Plymouth in 2023.