More Mercia expansion

Mercia Marina on the Trent & Mersey Canal has submitted plans for sports facilities, including an all-weather tennis court, sports pitch, gym, pétanque court, golf putting area and playground for people staying at the marina in addition to doubling the number of holiday lodges on its vast site.

In two separate planning applications to South Derbyshire District Council, the marina is seeking permission to build 32 more lodges, set to be located in adjacent fields to the North and West of the current 24 acre marina lake, that would be in addition to the existing 27 lodges or lodge plots on the marina's eastern flank.

Wildlife pond

A new wildlife pond, almost the size of a football pitch, would also be created as part of extensive landscaping plans around the new lodges.

Robert Neff, General Manager of Mercia Marina, explained:

"The proposed developments and associated landscaping will provide even more opportunity for people to visit us and take advantage of our beautiful natural environment.

"Even though it would see a significant growth in our holiday lodge provision, the impact will be surprisingly minimal—partly due to the amount of land here, and also because they would be built gradually, perhaps over a period of several years.

"The sports facilities will be a phenomenal addition to what we already have here, and I predict that they will see a huge amount of use if it goes ahead."

Largest inland marina

Mercia Marina, already the largest inland marina in Europe, has overseen steady and successful growth since it opened in 2008, particularly since the opening of The Boardwalk leisure, shopping and office development in 2014.

With a number of awards under its belt, including Gold David Bellamy Conservation Awards for five years running and a string of VisitEngland's 'Quality in Tourism' awards, the marina has consistently been recognised as being a major tourism draw for South Derbyshire and the surrounding area.

Since it opened, the marina has transformed its 74-acre site into a bustling community of boaters, holiday lodge owners, tourists, dog walkers and shoppers.