With an ever-increasing demand from berth holders for better marina facilities, the largest marina operators in the UK, Marina Developments Ltd (MDL) are facing up to one of their biggest challenges
With an ever-increasing demand from berth holders for better marina facilities, the largest marina operators in the UK, Marina Developments Ltd (MDL) are facing up to one of their biggest challenges.
With a new senior management team in place, headed up by Managing Director, John Watson, MDL has set about improving both its public relations and its accessibility to customers. The sites at Chatham Maritime Marina (Kent), Shamrock Quay (Hampshire) and Penton Hook (Surrey) have all seen major investment in brand new or upgraded facilities to be up and running for the season ahead. This is due a capital investment programme in excess of ‘4million. Other major facility initiatives nearing completion include Port Hamble (Hampshire) and Cobbs Quay (Dorset).
Penton Hook (Surrey) will see the development four facility buildings. The first of these buildings, the West Harbour facility is now open for business and has allowed Penton Hook can now accommodate Narrowboats and Dutch Barges. This facility is the first of its kind on the Thames. It was put in because of increasing demand for moorings by these types of vessels.
Additional male and female showers and toilets together with a disabled facility are now available. Other improvements include dedicated parking, a waste oil tank, oil filter bins and an Elsan disposal point.
Marina Site Manager, Ian Quick, “The customers are finally seeing us doing something we’ve been saying we’d do for years.” Ian also feels that such initiatives aid staff, improving customer services and relations. “The customer now feels he is not just a cash supply; he has been listened to and is starting to get real value for money,” said Quick.
The Greenwich Wooden Boat Show that moved to Beale Park, Pangbourne three years ago, is relocating in 2002 to the ground next to Penton Hook Marina. Part of the show will include a Try-a-Boat section for larger vessels run from the Marina where interested parties are able to see these new facilities for themselves. The smaller boat, Try-a-Boat, will be held on the lake in the showground. The Show takes place 18-21 May.
At Chatham, berth holders now have a brand new facility block situated on a floating pontoon within the Marina basin and this is just part of the 300-berth complex that is now reaching its final stages of completion. The new block caters superbly for families, with plentiful toilets and shower rooms; disabled facilities and a laundrette. Movement-sensitive lighting has also been installed as an environmental measure.
For some years now Shamrock Quay (Southampton) has suffered from low calibre facilities. Shamrock Quay now has a modern Administration and Harbour Office which, in operation, has been of great benefit in terms of improving customer service. Also, wiith disabled berth holders taken into account, the toilet/shower facilities have now been upgraded and expanded and provide a secure, modern and clean environment
For further information, contact:
John Watson, Managing Director or Tony Keeler, Leisure Director
Marina Developments Ltd
Tel: 023 8045 7155
Email: enquiries@mdlmarinas.co.uk
www.marinas.co.uk
