Work starts on new canal marina in Winchburgh
A NEW canal marina in Winchburgh is starting to take shape after Winchburgh Developments Ltd awarded the contract to Scottish engineering firm I&H Brown.
The first phase of the build will include construction of the marina basin which is due to open to canal users in spring 2021. Following this, work will begin on a second phase which will include further landscaping, as well as pontoons, moorings and a facilities building.
Winchburgh Marina is the first new marina to open on the Union Canal since 2014 and includes 20 marina berths as well as new leisure and commercial spaces.
The opening of the marina comes as the Union Canal approaches its 200th anniversary, with the construction of the canal taking four years from 1818 to 1822.
The marina will be located at the heart of the new town centre and will connect via a footbridge to the new Daisy Park, as well as providing access to the Union Canal towpath. A further 29 canal moorings will be added in a final phase of the development.
Pierre Puyrigaud, senior development manager, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, commented: “For the past 10 years we have been working closely with Scottish Canals to fulfil our ambition to deliver a new marina on the Union Canal at Winchburgh. It’s very exciting for us and the entire community to now see work beginning on site.
“This new marina will provide a host of amenities for locals and visitors, including new leisure facilities, opportunities for new restaurant and cafe spaces, and new homes.”
Catherine Topley, CEO, Scottish Canals added: “The start of works at Winchburgh Marina cements Scottish Canals’ place within this historic village and demonstrates our commitment to
regenerating Scotland’s canal network.
“This fantastic development will create new and exciting opportunities for people to live and work on our canals for years to come. The new marina at Winchburgh coincides with the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Union Canal, showcasing that Scotland’s canals have adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century.”
Pete Nisbet, vice-chairman of Winchburgh Community Council said: “It’s no secret that back in 2005 when we first saw these plans, many locals never believed that they would see the day that Winchburgh would have its own marina. Needless to say, everyone is thrilled now that this indeed is going to become a reality. It’s a real boost for the community to see work commencing and something that we can all now look forward to watching take shape.”
Duncan Brown, director, I&H Brown added: “We have been working with Winchburgh Developments Ltd for a number of years supporting the delivery of the Winchburgh masterplan. We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to construct the new canal marina which is so crucial to the success of this development and will provide a great focal point for the community alongside the new town centre.”
Winchburgh’s canal marina will provide new leisure facilities for both the local community and visitors, including new commercial spaces suitable for restaurant and cafe facilities. It will be well connected to the town’s other green spaces, including the new Daisy Park, via a network of footpaths as well as national cycle routes, ensuring that it is easily accessible.
Winchburgh Developments Ltd has also announced a new contract with J Smart & Co for 64 new apartments and townhouses overlooking the marina. Canal Quarter will comprise a total of 50 one-, two- and threebed apartments as well as 14 three-bed townhouses set within landscaped grounds.
Many of the apartments will enjoy views looking out across the new marina, to the canal and beyond.
Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest and most exciting place-making projects currently under way in the UK, delivering new green spaces including the 78-acre Auldcathie District Park, new stateof-the-art schools, at least 3800 new homes, improved transport links and employment opportunities.
TWENTY-four passengers were injured, some requiring hospital treatment, when PS Waverley hit the pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran, at around 5pm on Thursday, September 3.
Eyewitnesses described the paddler’s bows striking the pier sharply, damaging the vessel and throwing some of the 213 passengers and 26 crew around the boat with the force of the impact.
The accident is now being investigated by the Marine and Coastguard Agency. Waverley Excursions, which had decided to extend the iconic ship’s sailing season until September 12 to meet demand for cruises, has now cancelled all further sailings this season.
The incident was attended by police, fire, ambulance and coastguard service units and uninjured passengers were taken by CalMac ferry to the mainland. Waverley will now have to be dry-docked at Greenock to assess the damage and for repairs to be carried out in what represents a significant setback for the ship, which had returned to service after a successful boiler renewal appeal.
Waverley Excursions says that it is working with the Marine and Coastguard Agency to establish the cause of the collision as well as launching its own internal enquiry.