UK marina builder takes on regeneration project

Walcon Marine, the UK-based marina builder, is returning to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River in Hampshire to undertake a major regeneration project. Taking place over two winters, it will involve a complete rebuild of the marina, including extensions to the piers and the refurbishment and re-use of the existing pontoons.

Walcon fitted the first pontoons for the original marina in 1971, but much of the current infrastructure was installed in 1980 using Walcon’s then new System 2000 aluminium pontoons. Most of these will be re-used, says Walcon, as they remain in excellent condition.

The refurbishment/extension will be undertaken in two phases. Phase One will take place over the coming autumn and winter, beginning on October 1. Walcon will begin by removing the fuelling dock together with the upstream piers D, E and F. They will be stored on-site while dredging takes place before being installed in their new positions and refurbished in position.

All the new pontoons will be delivered in mid-November for the assembly of the extended piers plus their finger pontoons over the following months.

Walcon will also remove the old greenheart timber piles, which will be re-used or replaced with new piles sympathetic to their surroundings. This entire process will then be repeated over 2020/21 for the lower piers A, B and C. The overall result will be an additional 60 berths capable of taking boats up to 20m in length.

“The redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of the Beaulieu River and is an important part of ensuring it remains one of the most desirable places to visit and moor a yacht,” says Beaulieu Enterprises MD Russell Bowman.

“We are pleased to be working with Walcon once again after a partnership of nearly 50 years and the project will be undertaken in a sensitive and sustainable way to preserve the river’s unique character.’’