Still no boats at Dover’s new marina

Dover’s new marina – due for completion over the summer – still doesn’t have any boats because tidal flows mean it is too dangerous for them to be moored there, according to Kent Live.

The new marina is part of a £250 million project called Dover Western Docks Revival, which has been under way since 2017. The project involves the relocation of the cargo terminal from the Eastern Docks, a new distribution centre, new deep water berths and the new marina.

Pontoons for the new marina have been in place for several months in the space between the new marina pier and the new marina curve – but they remain empty.

It is understood that boats cannot be safely moored in the new location following inaccurate tidal modelling produced prior to the development.

Speaking to Kent Live, a Port of Dover spokesman said: “Towards the end of last year, we identified that there was something causing swell in the new marina under certain weather conditions.

“This was discussed with berth holders and we have since been working with our experts to address this. We are now close to knowing what needs to be done to resolve the issue.

“Before we start work on the solution, we are going to be getting some final modelling done to give us the assurance that the solution we do finally implement will successfully conclude the matter.”

When the project was first announced, port bosses emphasised the benefits of a new marina to the community. Numerous artist’s impressions were publicised showing commercial units dotted along the new Marina Curve, with others showing people enjoying food and wine on balconies overseeing moored yachts.

It was later confirmed that the commercial unit buildings that had been promoted would have to be delivered by the private sector, but no such interest has been expressed, according to Kent Live.

Dover Harbour Board said it would be looking to have pop-up food and drinks kiosks along the Curve in the meantime to determine market viability.

And while the new marina pier opened at the end of 2019, along with the new cargo terminal, the paving of the marina curve, marina facilities, car parking, and a new recreation area around Clock Tower Square was unfinished and promised to be completed by June 2020.

“This year has seen the next major contract being awarded for the marina curve paving works which include the marina access road, car parking and fuel berth as well as the paving of Clock Tower Square,” says a Port of Dover Spokesman. “Whilst construction was delayed by the coronavirus, work on site has restarted. We expect to be able to transition to the new facilities in 2021, which will mean customers will be able to immediately benefit from the whole package of work we are delivering this year.”