Massive new development at Mercia Marina

SUCH is the success of the past developments at Mercia Marina that another massive development has been been planned and now approved.

South Derbyshire district councillors have approved the plans  for 14 new flats and seven new shops to be constructed at the marina, at a cost of £6 millions.

The Promenade

Named the Promenade, this will be in addition to the existing Boardwalk and Piazza already in use.

This new development will be to the left of the main entrance and will replace three existing buildings with such as the most popular tea room relocated to the new building when completed.

The top picture is an artists' impression of the new Promenade and the one below the existing Boardwalk.

Similar design

When completed, the new Promenade will be of similar design to the existing Boardwalk complex with the same modern style with large expanses of glazing and metal cladding.

Opened in 2008, the marina has constantly developed, and not only for visitors but for its many boaters too, with so many facilities making it easily the foremost inland marina in the country, and now amongst Derbyshire's top tourist attractions.

Mercia Marina's founding partner John Thornton, former Chief Executive of Derbyshire-based chocolate manufacturer Thorntons, enthused:

“We are delighted this iconic new building has received planning approval from South Derbyshire District Council.

“We very much hope and believe that the Promenade, which is in keeping with the style of the existing Piazza and Boardwalk buildings, will, when built, become a heritage asset complementing the Canal Conservation Area.

“It has been a slow and difficult process. But it is thanks to the foresight, support and leadership of South Derbyshire District Council, which realises that the region’s economic, employment and cultural welfare depend upon the encouragement of private investment, that the project has been approved."

Fishing lake

Mercia Marina has grown from a fishing lake in a gravel pit and opening as a marina in 2008, to becoming one of the leading leisure and tourism businesses in the East Midlands, attracting around 800,000 visitors annually.

The picture shows the marina in its first stages in 2008 before opening in September of the same year.