New Dover marina opens after years of delays
A new marina has opened on Dover’s revitalised waterfront, with space for over 160 yachts and small leisure boats.
The new marina is surrounded by the £250m Marina Curve, which opened in 2021 as part of the Dover Western Docks Revival Project.
Around 50 berth holders are already in the new site permanently, with more continuing to move over throughout the first half of 2023.
In 2020, MIN reported that inaccurate tidal modelling was produced prior to the development, meaning it became too dangerous for boats to be moored in bad weather. The opening was delayed to address these issues and implement a solution.
There have been calls for a public enquiry into how the flawed design for the multi-million-pound marina was initially signed off.
A 14-metre ‘inner wave screen’ and a 70-metre long outer wave wall have now been completed to provide wave protection in the future.
Kent Live reported that boats were allowed to dock in the new marina for the very first time in May 2022, as part of a temporary trial period.
Officials hope that, with the marina now fully open and safety issues resolved, the waterfront will provide plenty of entertainment and leisure opportunities this spring/summer season.
“The port is transforming, and the marina opening is the perfect showcase of our new modern look and identity,” says Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover. My thanks go to the marina and Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) teams for working so hard to provide this world-leading facility for our berth holders.
It’s also a fantastic new attraction for Dover, and being perfectly situated next to our cruise terminals, brings communities together from across the nation and globally. We face a bright future, and I am confident that the waterfront will soon become one of the best destinations for exploring the south east coast.”
Chris Windsor, marina manager adds: “The official opening marks a milestone for the marina and port — I’m delighted that our berth holders have started to settle in their new, permanent base, and can make the most of the brilliant opportunities now available to them.
We take pride in being a seamless and sustainable port, and I have no doubt that the marina and my team, will continue to provide berth holders with an exceptional experience and service.”
The highlight facilities for berth holders include a dedicated fueling station on its own berth, a hard standing and level boatyard with large capacity, and a new marina office.
The Dover Marina showcase takes place on 20 May 2023, with tours, displays and demonstrations, plus boat sales, live music and street food.
A new year-round programme of events surrounding the Marina Curve has recently been announced. Further details on all the events will be available soon.
