£1.4 million investment in marina

Fiona Howard • Published 28 Jun 2010 22:28

RHU Marina is to be transformed with a £1.4m investment by owners The Crown Estate.

In a statement issued this week they said: "The Crown Estate is pleased to announce that it is making a significant financial investment of £1.4 million in Rhu Marina on the Firth of Clyde

"By early 2011 the sailing community will benefit from a safer and all year around marina in one of the finest sailing areas in the world."

The existing floating breakwaters system is to be replaced, providing greater all round shelter to the marina.

The improvements will also include 58 new berths, increasing the total number of berths to 240.

Simon Haigh, Managing Director of Quay Marinas Limited, who lease and operate Rhu Marina, said: "This is very good news for all concerned.

"Rhu customers will benefit enormously from the new breakwater arrangements, and we shall be offering excellent value berthing packages going forward into 2011."

Alasdair Rankin, Head of Marine Business Development at The Crown Estate said: "We are confident that this significant investment in Rhu Marina will benefit the marina in years to come.

"The works will put us in a position to add a significant number of berths, carry out the refurbishment and replacement of existing berths."

But that is just the start. Mr Haigh added: "We are also keen to look further into improving the onshore marina facilities to provide a first class marina facility that caters for the future needs of our customers.

"Architects have now been appointed to take forward the master planning and design of the shore-side improvements."

And the news has been greeted with enthusiasm by Rhu councillor Provost Billy Petrie who said: "This is wonderful news. A revamped marina and the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club both in Rhu will put the village right at the top of the yachting map.

"This is already one of the principal marinas on the Clyde and this can only take it further.

"People won't have to go to London to see the boat show any more, they will be able to come to Rhu!"

And Archie McColl chairman for the Rhu and Shandon Community Council said: "I don't know about the new marina facilities but if they considered including a petrol station everyone could use that would be very welcome!"

The Crown Estate purchased Rhu,one of Scotland's best known marinas,in April 2008 for £4 million. It currently provides 182 berths and related facilities on a 2.6 ha (6.5 acre) site on the Firth of Clyde.

The site includes moorings, boat storage areas, marine workshops and a chandlery, as well as the RNLI station with slipway and HM Coastguard.

The marina has been leased to Quay Marinas since 2008, who also lease Deganwy marina in north Wales from The Crown Estate.

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