The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Work to build a new £900,000 marina “gateway” to south Lincolnshire begins next week.
Engineering work starts on Monday on the commercial and leisure marina in Sutton Bridge.
The first visible signs will be the installation of power and water supplies, involving trenching works along the riverbank.
It will be followed by the driving of piles into the riverbed and the attaching of new mooring pontoos and access brow, which should begin at the start of June.
Old moorings will then be decommissioned and a footpath built on top of the bank before the marina becomes operational.
The leisure moorings at the new marina will cater for up to 20 boats – a combination of those owned by local boaters and visiting craft – while the Eastern IFCA (a fisheries protection agency) can remain based in Sutton Bridge.
Each mooring point will provide boaters with electricity and water connections at the tie-up point, while a car park will allow marina users to leave their cars safely off the road while tending their boats.
Coun Colin Davie, executive member for economic development, said: “The marina will act as a gateway to the county, and we want to make it as attractive to visitors as possible.
“We anticipate it will lead to increased visitor numbers, many of whom will be using local shops, pubs and restaurants. We also expect to see opportunities arise for businesses providing services for the boating community.
“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy, something that will benefit businesses and residents alike.
“I’m delighted to see the work begin, and look forward to seeing the completion of this important development for the village.”
The works to create the marina are expected to be completed by autumn 2016 and boat owners are likely to be able to begin using the new facility in early 2017.
Funding for the project has come from Lincolnshire County Council, a s106 community development fund for Sutton Bridge, and the two commercial users.
To apply for a mooring space call Economic Development Service on 01522 550600.
