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New opportunities for expanding Portland Marina tenant
12 June 2009
A leading motor boat dealer is planning to grow its business
following its recent move to the new Portland Marina.
Prime Motor Yachts, has recently taken possession of new 3,200sq
ft premises at the world-class marina complex and sailing
destination which opened earlier this year. The company also has
offices and a showroom in Weymouth.
The 560-berth marina is part of the multi-million pound
regeneration of Osprey Quay at Portland. Dean & Reddyhoff was
selected by the South West RDA to develop and operate the marina,
located next door to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing
Academy.
The new £26 million Portland Marina will be part of the venue
for hosting the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic &
Paralympic Games.
A main dealer for French boat manufacturer Beneteau, Prime Motor
Yachts provides a range of vessels from small day boats through to
Flybridge and Sports Cruisers. The firm works closely with other
local businesses which provide support for mechanical and
electronics services for its customers.
Mike Turnbull, Director at Prime Motor Yachts commented: "The
new Portland Marina is going to offer huge potential and we want to
be a part of its future success. We will certainly be looking to
expand further and in turn look to create new job opportunities
with our move to the new marina. There is nowhere else on the south
coast that offers this level of facility and will only serve to
raise our profile further.
He continued: "With our new building, we have the flexibility to
expand our facilities and continue to develop our ongoing
commitment to customer service. The location is ideal for both our
existing and new customers to come and visit us either by road or,
of course, by sea."
Alison Hatcher, Head of Regeneration for the South West RDA in
Dorset, said "It is particularly pleasing, given the current
financial climate that one of Weymouth & Portland's own marine
businesses is doing so well, following its move to this truly
world-class facility. We are delighted to be supporting the
development and growth of the vitally important marine sector in
the South West and helping the future creation of skilled jobs. The
redevelopment of Osprey Quay and creation of Portland Marina
provides a fantastic opportunity to show exactly what the region
has to offer."
The five new commercial units at the Marina are part of the
first phase of the scheme to be finished. Fifteen retail and
maritime-related business units, offices and a new bar and
restaurant will open in early to mid July. The shore-based
facilities have been built on land owned by the RDA.
James Beaver, Operations Director at Dean & Reddyhoff
Marinas, added: "We are delighted to have Prime Motor Yachts, our
largest tenant, now on site. A second local business, Blue Water
Horizons, has also moved into its new premises here within the last
couple of weeks and there is starting to be a real buzz about the
place.
"In total we have now let 95 per cent of the business units and
are continuing to get a high level of interest. It's very exciting
to see everything coming together here and we're looking forward to
the prospect of an excellent summer ahead."
Cllr Geoff Petherick, Theme Brief Holder for Economic
Development at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: "This
is excellent news for Portland, Osprey Quay and Prime Motor Yachts.
The increase in marine-based companies moving to Osprey Quay will
further our aim for the site and the Borough becoming a destination
for marine excellence.
"We are working with a range of other organisations with a view
to securing further development and jobs within the marine sector
at Osprey Quay and are also addressing the need for skills
development and training. We are planning to increase awareness of
local young people about the potential opportunities for working in
marine businesses, capitalising on the benefit of the 2012
Games".
Portland Marina is the largest single yacht marina constructed
in the UK since Dean & Reddyhoff built Haslar Marina in 1993.
Facilities at Portland include extensive washrooms and showers,
parking for 475 vehicles, extensive hard-standing areas for yacht
maintenance and dry stack storage for powerboats. A brand new
waterside bar/restaurant will also be opening at the marina next
month. Overall, the development is expected to generate more than
150 new jobs for the local area.
Ends
Notes to Editors
1) The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk.
2) Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas is one of the UK's leading
marina operators. The company currently runs four major marinas on
the South Coast: Haslar Marina (Portsmouth Harbour), East Cowes
Marina (Isle of Wight), Weymouth Marina and Portland Marina. For
more information see www.deanreddyhoff.co.uk.
Contact Details
Name: Ryan Martinez
Tel: 01208 77900
Email: ryan.martinez@dca-pr.co.uk