ABP finishes first phase of Town Quay's improvement
30 March 2011
Located on the South Coast, Town Quay is the closest marina to Southampton city centre. For the first time in 8 years the marina has officially opened its doors to visitors. The marina is walking distance to the City’s cultural quarter, West Quay Shopping Centre, Ikea and a variety of restaurants, bars and theatres making the marina a vibrant place to stay all year round. Town Quay offers unrivalled views of Southampton’s busy maritime activity and direct access to the world famous cruising and racing waters of the Solent. Berth holders have even commented that they choose Town Quay because of the proximity to John Lewis!
Not only is there a new management team to provide 24/7 assistance on the marina, but the investment will see berth holders and visitors benefit from a marina dredge, new shower and laundry facilities (GHD straightners in the ladies!!), new water and shore power systems on the pontoons and for annual berth holders, a private decked balcony overlooking the marina.
With all these improvements, Town Quay is already attracting well known boating celebrities like Shelley Jory- Leigh to use the Marina. The Americas Cup Shore based team are also in conversation with ABP to take an office lease with marina views.
The berths have also been split into different price packages from economy to diamond; some packages include special offers to entice visitors out to the city’s Harbour Lights Picture House and the Turner Sims concert hall.
Town Quay manager Lex Bancroft said: " We are delighted to 're-launch' the marina - marking the end of the first of three phases of improvement works at Town Quay.
Historically Town Quay offered economic marina berths with basic facilities in a great location close to the city centre. We are now able to offer the same city centre location, but with superb new facilities and an experienced marina management team whilst maintaining very competitive prices.
With only 123 berths, our dedicated team are able to provide a personal service to our annual berth holders and welcome visitors in to the marina at any time day and night.
Particular care was taken in the design of the new shower and changing facilities incorporating requests from boat owners.’’
Doug Morrison, Director Port of Southampton said “Associated British Ports are proud to own one of Southampton's historic waterside landmarks and to commit significant funding to enable key improvements at the marina. At the end of 2009 I appointed Lex Bancroft as Town Quay Manager to take responsibility for delivering an ambitious program of changes and I am delighted by the progress she and the new marina team have made in raising the level of service we are able offer our customers.”
Town Quay Marina is the perfect base to explore the South Coast. Historic Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Beaulieu River and Poole Harbour are within easy cruising distance and for those wishing to venture further afield, Cherbourg, the Channel Islands and the Brittany coastline are less than a day away.
Town Quay is well served by transport links to the Isle of Wight, the New Forest and London and lies next door to the Southampton International Boat Show. The marina is the perfect place to capture the atmosphere of the summer’s yachting events. The marina is just a 20 minute drive from Southampton international airport.
Town Quay is one of four marinas owned and operated by Associated British Ports; the others being at Ipswich, Lowestoft and Fleetwood.
Image shows: Town Quay trolley
Image copyright: Associated British Ports
For further information:
Contact: Lucy Richmond (Lucy Richmond Ltd)
Telephone: 07899891119
Email:lucy.richmond@live.co.uk
