More details have been released by Dean & Reddyhoff, the developers and operators of the new 600 berth fully serviced marina at Portland, which is to be the venue for the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Situated next to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, the new Portland Marina will not only have extensive waterside facilities, it is also planned to have commercial, retail and food and beverage outlets, varying in size from 500sq ft to 3,000sqft, although individual requirements for differing sizes can be accommodated if confirmed at an early stage.

The planning process is well under way and the various shore-side elements of the scheme are taking shape on a daily basis. With some land reclamation due to take place plus the opportunity to develop all the elements from a clear site, Dean & Reddyhoff will be able to deliver a brand-new marina with the very best of services, both on and off the water.

The buildings ashore will be designed in an environmentally friendly manner to blend in with the natural surroundings. They will be contemporary in design using a pleasing combination of stainless steel and glass.

The main facilities building will house the marina offices, the luxury washrooms and showers and also the laundry. In a similar sized building alongside will be a bar, restaurant and possibly yacht club with a large balcony giving extensive and uninterrupted views over Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay beyond.

Business units for a chandlery, brokerage, marine engineers and other commercial marine related businesses will be an integral part of the marina itself.

There will be car parking for approx 400 vehicles close to the marina brow, and alongside the hard standing area for yacht maintenance and winter storage will be a 50 – 70 ton marine hoist. Proposals are also being submitted for undercover dry stack storage for RIBS and small powerboats.

This new marina will be the largest single yacht marina constructed in the UK since Haslar Marina back in 1993. Access to the pontoons will be strictly monitored by cctv and electronic gate control and all berths will be served by water, electricity, wi-fi internet connection and telephone.

Commenting on the planning stages of the new marina, James Beaver, Operations Director for Dean & Reddyhoff, said: “We are starting from a clean sheet of paper with the new Portland Marina and our experience in developing our other marina sites will enable us to incorporate exactly what our commercial tenants, berth holders and visitors want from a marina, both ashore and afloat.

“Our buildings will be designed in a contemporary style and will reflect the waterside nature of the site as well as being attractive, functional and well equipped. When finished we will have one of the most modern quality marinas in Europe which will be a great British symbol to visiting Olympians in 2012.”