Work starts on the monster marina

PRELIMINARY work has commenced on the infamous 650 berth marina at Onley on the Oxford Canal, writes Kevin McNiff.

Pegging out can be seen on the towpath between bridges 81 & 82 and in the field behind the towpath hedge running along the Onley visitor moorings. Public footpath access to the area meant I didn't trespass at any time.

View of prison

I'm not sure what the theme of the marina might be, but with such a superb view of the HM Prison complex only just hidden by the trees, perhaps 'Inmates View' would be topical! You may recall a few years ago I wrote about the G4S prison staff trying to warn off dog walkers in the fields behind the moorings and in front of their back wall. (Intimidation at North Oxford Canal) When the 'guests' are exercising in the yards, the sounds are, lets say, quite interesting! The prison can be seen in Kevin's picture below.

Locals apparently preferred a marina to an abattoir, which was the land owners original plan so the council and CaRT simply nodded the project through.

Investment?

With a price tag of £15 million, it will take a long time for any return on this investment; the numbers don't square up—unless there is some agenda for retrospective change of use for part of it? (Do the maths—70% occupancy at approximately £2.8k p.a. gets £1.25m—that's 15 years without interest payments etc.

Then at Hillmorton yesterday, a nice lady was canvassing passing boaters on what constitutes a good marina; what facilities would be best and anything else besides. She said she worked for the marina.

Friendly staff and good facilities

We did suggest looking at Overwater and Mercia for best practice, but seems to me that 'not many people know much about anything' canal wise. What makes a difference to a marina is friendly staff and general facilities—Cropredy being a good example!

With reports of less boats around this year, would you sink your money into a watery hole good only for ducks and swans?

Time will tell.