Plans unveiled for £75 million marina development on River Dart
More than 50 new pontoon berths could become available on the River Dart if Premier Marinas’ ambitious plans for Noss on Dart Marina are approved. Premier bought the Devon boatyard in 2016 after it went into adminstration and has now submitted plans to overhaul the river pontoons, increasing the berths from 180 to 232. The yard's 44 river moorings are unaffected.
The scheme also includes 100 dry-rack berths for small motorboats, a 75-tonne travel hoist and 100 winter berths on the hard. The marina development will also see the addition of a 50-room hotel, two restaurants, a spa, 21 commercial units and a ferry link to Dartmouth.
Premier Marinas chief executive Pete Bradshaw said: ‘We bought Noss because it’s breathtakingly beautiful. We recognise that Noss is a challenging site, 37 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we’re sensitive to the constraints that creates. Noss on Dart is currently in a poor state with unsafe buildings and pontoons. It’s vital that we do something within two years or the opportunity will be lost.’
Businesses on site will employ between 150 and 200 people once work is complete.
The plans have been well received by locals. Royal Dart Yacht Club commodore Tony Swainston said: ‘The development will be very positive for the River Dart and for our club. It will bring significant improvement to an area of the river that has been neglected for many years. The increase in moorings is not excessive and will not present any problems to river users.’