Following our acquisition of the operating lease for Watchet Marina in September last year, we are pleased to announce the signing of a revised lease with Somerset Council, extending the marina’s lease to 200 years.
Since taking over, we have made significant strides in the rehabilitation of Watchet Marina.
A comprehensive health and safety audit has been conducted, and key priorities have been addressed, including the installation of new fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. The gas supply has been reinstated, a new fuel tank has been installed, and a full refit of pontoon electrical and water supplies will begin shortly following an audit.
A dredging campaign has been underway since we took over which has so far successfully removed around 26,000m³ of sediment from the marina. A further 7,000m³ remains to be cleared from the far end before the season begins. However, the three central pontoons are now at or below the target depth, and work is progressing on repairs to the marina gate.
Innovation, water injection dredger, has now been lifted out for her MECAL coding inspection and refit work. This includes installing a new engine and pump, work to the exhaust and bow thruster, and complete re-wire. Once this has been done, she will return to Watchet to finish the remaining dredging work before the new season begins.
Martin Stevens of Watchet Boat Owners Association said “The berth holders at Watchet are delighted with the progress being made in the rehabilitation of Watchet Marina by Western Marinas whose refreshingly honest and realistic approach has been welcomed by all. It is true to say the company has delivered a staggeringly successful dredging campaign in a very short time without making undeliverable promises to a very sceptical audience. It is no exaggeration to say that confidence in Western Marinas grows daily as realistic deliverables are achieved and there is an optimism being felt by harbour users and townsfolk alike regarding the future of boating in Watchet not witnessed since the early days of marina operation some 24 years ago. It is now down to all of us to share our growing confidence in Western Marinas to deliver a successful marina operation in Watchet with the wider boating world and to encourage boat owners to come and sample what the town and its marina has to offer.”
At the heart of Watchet Marina’s future success are its berth holders and the local community. We have hosted two berth holder gatherings, the second of which included a festive Christmas boat decoration competition and a hog roast provided by local butcher Somerset Farm House along with a buffet from Glenmore Bakery.
A special mention must go to the Watchet Marina team who have been instrumental in supporting the ongoing improvement efforts and are an integral part of the future success of the marina.
Cllr Federica Smith Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, has said: “We’ve been greatly encouraged by the progress being made in the short space of time since Western Marinas Ltd acquired the lease and are confident that they will continue to build on that success.
“We have a productive working relationship with the team at Western Marinas Ltd who have a real passion for their work in rehabilitating Watchet Marina, and it’s been wonderful to hear about the confidence growing among harbour users and in the wider community.”
We are committed to ongoing improvements across all three marinas, ensuring they meet the high standards that berth holders and the local communities deserve.
