More for Mercia
The marina has submitted plans for revisions to its pub, restaurant and waterfront shopping proposals, and is seeking permission to revise the originally approved Lighthouse development, as seen in the artists' impressions'.
Four new retail units
Four new two storeys retail units are now planned in place of a spa, gym and swimming pool complex, after interest was shown in retail units.
The shops are set to border a new central piazza, which will also be a focal point for the previously approved Boardwalk waterfront shopping development and the neighbouring pub/restaurant.
Design amendments
The pub building—named The Lighthouse—which has undergone design amendments as part of the new planning application, will retain its four storeys tower, offering around 4,500sq ft on the ground floor and 2,000sq ft on the first floor.
An operator is currently being sought for the pub, which will sit on a peninsula overlooking the water and will include outdoor seating on the ground floor and first floor terrace as well as a function room/conference facility on the top floor of the tower.
Agreed terms
Two retailers have already agreed terms for units within the seven shops in The Boardwalk and negotiations are underway with other retailers of locally sourced goods, crafts and produce aimed at the tourist market.
Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina, explained:
"Changes to the original plan have been made to reflect the requirements of potential tenants for the pub and also in response to the encouraging number of enquiries we've received for retail units.
"The new design layout is much improved and the pedestrian piazza, which is suitable for outdoor events, will be a fabulous addition to the overall development. We are hugely excited about creating such a high quality architectural project for the area."
Easy access
The piazza will contain seating and a central architectural sculpture. The development will be served by ample parking provision, accessible from the marina entrance in Findern Lane, which is less than a mile from the A50/A38 road junction.
The marina is also in talks with a local farm shop business, which is set to be the flagship retail unit.
£3 millions
The overall development, which is scheduled to be built in 2013 at a cost of around £3 millions, is expected to create more than 50 jobs.
The 600 berths marina, which opened in 2008, already contains a number of businesses, including a chandlery 'superstore', boat hire firms, boat sales, workshop, trip boat, tea room and small convenience shop.
We are told that the marina is the largest of its kind in the UK, and is being developed as the foremost inland marina in the country.