Watchet Marina in Somerset is undergoing a programme of significant infrastructure improvement, as Western Marinas continues to deliver a series of works to address long-standing issues and rebuild confidence following its acquisition of the site in September 2024.
The current phase focuses on the core systems that underpin day-to-day marina operations – power, water and access – with upgrades to improve reliability and remove long-standing points of failure.
At the centre of the works is a full refit of pontoon electrical and water systems, with new smart bollards being installed across the marina. Manufactured by Rolec and integrated with Metpow’s digital platform, the upgrade will deliver a more consistent supply and improved monitoring for customers. New hammerheads have also been commissioned from Walcon, strengthening berth infrastructure.
A major element of the programme is a comprehensive rebuild of the marina gate system, one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure on site, to improve resilience and eliminate single points of failure.
Johara Sykes-Dale, Managing Director of Western Marinas, says, “From day one, our focus at Watchet has been to address the issues that matter most to berth holders and to follow through on the improvements we said we would make. This phase is about strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the marina and ensuring it performs reliably for our customers. We’ve focused on the areas that make the biggest day-to-day difference, while also investing for the long term. There is still more to do, but the progress is clear and we are building real momentum. We want Watchet to be a marina berth holders are proud to be a part of.”
Beyond core infrastructure, access and layout improvements are being delivered across the marina entrance and car park. These include new barrier controls, revised parking arrangements and pedestrian walkways in collaboration with East Quay.
Ongoing maintenance dredging is also being carried out to maintain consistent depth across the marina.
This latest phase builds on a programme of work already delivered to address the most immediate and visible issues across the marina. Early investment focused on tackling the issues that had the greatest impact on berth holders, including a full dredging campaign, reinstatement of essential services such as fuel, hot water and WiFi and large-scale clearance of the boatyard.
Safety-critical works have also been delivered, including quay wall infrastructure repairs, replacement ladders and fendering and reinstatement of the marina gate, which had previously been inoperable.
Together, these works demonstrate a clear shift from underinvestment to active management, with visible progress against the commitments made when Western Marinas took over the site, returning Watchet Marina to a reliable, well-functioning and competitive position within the Bristol Channel.
Western Marinas is targeting completion of key elements of the programme including the new hammerheads, pontoon electrical and water systems and marina gate improvements, ahead of Watchet Marina’s 25th anniversary in July.
