AMBITIOUS plans are afoot to expand a successful Inverclyde marina – and breathe new life into an historic dock.

A blueprint has been drawn up to create 200 berths at Greenock’s Great Harbour, as part of a major extension of James Watt Dock Marina, which would also get 40 additional moorings.

The project also includes new purpose-built office space, boatyard facilities and a cafe or bar. It comes as bidders for the JWD Marina lease, which went out to tender late last year, await news of who has been selected.

The facility is part-owned by urban regeneration firm Riverside Inverclyde and the land and property arm of Peel Group, which also operates Clydeport and Greenock’s Ocean Terminal.

The marina is being marketed by expert property firm Graham + Sibbald.
In a document seen by the Tele, the firm says: “Graham + Sibbald are delighted to bring to the market an exciting opportunity to enter into a long lease arrangement over James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock.

“This arrangement will see the lessee expand the existing facilities and relocate the existing administration accommodation into permanent purpose built premises.”

The plan is to relocate the current boat yard in the Sugar Sheds to an interim site on Garvel Island opposite before ultimately moving to the Great Harbour, which is currently occupied by marine services firm Serco.

Company officials say they are aware of the proposals and are in discussions with the landowners.

Phil Ireland, Serco’s contract manager for marine services in Scotland, said: “Serco’s lease with Peel Holdings (Land and Property) runs until 2022, and we are fully engaged with them on their plans for the Great Harbour site.”

Talks took place in Glasgow yesterday between RI and Peel officials to conclude the JWD Marina tendering process.

The successful bidder is expected to be announced in the coming days.

The facility currently has 124 berths as well as pontoons, storage facilities, boating services and offices.

It has grown substantially since it was opened by RI six years ago, and is currently managed by Blue Sea Marinas.

The number of berths has more than doubled from 60 to over 120 and the site is popular with owners of luxury super-yachts.

It was also used as the base for last year’s P1 Superstock powerboat racing event, which took place just off Greenock’s Esplanade.

The new marina lease will be for at least 50 years – and the successful bidder will be required to drive forward the development.

According to Graham + Sibbald, the operators will have to obtain planning permission for the expansion within 12 months and relocate within three years.

The 40 extra berths at JWD Marina will also have to be installed within a year.