Boat lands in Derby city centre

MERCIA Marina created an unusual spectacle in Derby when it 'launched' a wide-beam boat in the middle of the city's Market Place, writes Phil Stubbs.

The stunt was performed to highlight the opening of the marina's new £1.7m Boardwalk shopping, pub and restaurant development at its 74-acre site in Willington, South Derbyshire.

Grand opening weekend

Open since mid-September, the marina is officially celebrating The Boardwalk's completion at a Grand Opening Weekend on October 11th and 12th, which will feature live music, boat rides, street performers, children's entertainment and fireworks.

The 60ft wide beam was craned into Derby's Market Place on Friday, September 12th and attracted a huge amount of interest from shoppers during the weekend.

Recruit staff

It also marked an opportunity for The Boardwalk pub-restaurant to recruit additional staff prior to its opening at the end of September, as well as giving the New & Used Boat Company a window for selling the £140k boat.

Josh Fitzsimons, Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator for Mercia Marina, explained:

"Derby has hosted fairground rides, ice rinks and sandpits in its Market Place—but I think this is the first time a boat has landed there. It was quite a surprise for passers-by.

"The event was a huge success. We spoke to many people who never realised the marina was just 10 minutes down the road. It bodes really well for our Grand Opening Weekend in October."

The Boardwalk consists of six retail units, including a farm shop, fashion stores and beauty salon, as well as the central bar-restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. There are also four office units on the upper floor and a new events area and sensory garden outside, in addition to six commercial mooring licences. Parking is free.