New extension for Thames marina
THERE was a day of celebration at the new Harleyford Estate Marina as guests gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of the newly completed second lagoon providing an extra 148 berths.
Attendees were treated to a day of celebration to commemorate the opening of the new extension last Friday 21st April, that was a day of jubilation at the extended marina now nearly three times its original size.
Lady Angela Foley
To officially open the updated marina, Harleyford Estate’s 'Chairman' Lady Angela Folley stood at the bow of the Judith R as it sailed through the 14m wide channel joining the original and new lagoons, cutting the ceremonial ribbon stretched across the entrance, with her stating:
“It was wonderful to be able to commemorate the day in such a spectacular way on such a beautiful vessel. After the years of planning and hard work we are thrilled to finally have the second lagoon open and it has been wonderful to share this day with the key stakeholders involved in the works as well as our valued friends and customers.”
The Judith R is an impressive art deco yacht built in 1935 for Barnaby Balaban, the head of the iconic American film company Paramount Pictures. The film industry head used the art deco masterpiece to travel to and from his office in Manhattan every day as well as host lavish A-List parties and private soirees. Now in 2017, this vessel resides in the UK having been lovingly restored by its current owners, and served as the main attraction at Friday’s grand opening celebration.
Construction
Construction began in August 2016 and was completed by March 2017. The works included excavation of the new lagoon, sheet piling and bank strengthening, new access roads, electrical service bollards, pontoons, parking facilities as well as soft landscaping to ensure a seamless insertion into the existing natural landscape. Harleyford Estate have always taken exceptional care to develop the marina without compromising the natural beauty of the surrounding area and ensuring the facilities and service provided are second to none, having received the 5 Gold Anchor award since 1986.