Somerset marina overhaul tackles long-standing issues

Somerset’s Watchet Marina is undergoing a programme of significant infrastructure improvement, as Western Marinas continues to deliver a series of works to address long-standing issues and rebuild confidence following its acquisition of the site in September 2024. The marina is due to celebrate its 25th anniversary in July and after years of underinvestment, a sweeping programme of upgrades is now reshaping the Somerset site aimed at restoring confidence among its berth holders.

Western Marinas Limited was incorporated on 16 April 2024 as a new UK marina operator backed by investors, including Harwood Private Capital, and an experienced management team. Rather than a legacy business, it was created as an investment-led turnaround platform focused on acquiring and revitalising underperforming marina assets through targeted capital investment and operational expertise. Its launch strategy centred on distressed opportunities following the collapse of Marine & Property Group, which went into administration in 2023. As part of this, Western Marinas acquired Cardiff Marina, took on the operating lease for Watchet Marina and secured a management contract for Aberystwyth Marina, marking the first step in its plan to rebuild these sites.

A new chapter for Watchet Marina

“From day one, our focus at Watchet has been to address the issues that matter most to berth holders and to follow through on the improvements we said we would make,” says Johara Sykes-Dale, MD of Western Marinas, pictured below. “This phase is about strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the marina and ensuring it performs reliably for our customers.

“We’ve focused on the areas that make the biggest day-to-day difference, while also investing for the long term. There is still more to do, but the progress is clear and we are building real momentum. We want Watchet to be a marina berth holders are proud to be a part of.

The current phase focuses on the core systems that underpin day-to-day marina operations –  power, water and access – with upgrades to improve reliability and remove long-standing points of failure.

Smart systems bring reliability and control

At the centre of the works is a full refit of pontoon electrical and water systems, with new smart bollards being installed across the marina. Manufactured by Rolec and integrated with Metpow’s digital platform, the upgrade will deliver a more consistent supply and improved monitoring for customers. New hammerheads have also been commissioned from Walcon, strengthening berth infrastructure.

A major element of the programme is a comprehensive rebuild of the marina gate system, one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure on site, to improve resilience and eliminate single points of failure.

“One of the most significant investments currently underway is the full upgrade of the marina’s electrical and water infrastructure across the pontoons,” says Sykes-Dale. “It’s a major project, but a critical one. It improves safety and reliability, supports modern boating requirements and future-proofs the marina. Alongside that, other areas of significant investment are the replacement of key pontoon elements and replacement infrastructure to ensure the reliability of the marina tidal gate going forward.”

Access and layout improvements are being delivered across the marina entrance and car park. Ongoing maintenance dredging is also being carried out to maintain consistent depth across the marina.

From underinvestment to active management

This latest phase builds on a programme of work already delivered to address the most immediate and visible issues across the marina. Early investment included a full dredging campaign, reinstatement of essential services such as fuel, hot water and WiFi and large-scale clearance of the boatyard – information on the marina facilities is available on the company’s website.

These works demonstrate a clear shift from underinvestment to active management, says the company, with visible progress against the commitments made when Western Marinas took over the site, returning Watchet Marina to a reliable, well-functioning and competitive position within the Bristol Channel.

“Watchet has a really distinct role within the group,” notes Sykes-Dale. “It’s set on the Bristol Channel and is one of the only accessible safe havens along this stretch of coastline, so it naturally acts as a key waypoint for boaters. But what really sets it apart is its character.

“It is closely tied to the town, which has that traditional seaside feel with a strong holiday and visitor presence. It’s a smaller, more personal marina with a genuine community spirit and that combination of history, location and old-fashioned coastal charm gives Watchet a personality you don’t find in larger, more commercial marinas.”