10 EURO-NEWS


Piazza to create more jobs at Mercia Marina


A


new £3 million restaurant, retail and office development is being planned by Mercia Marina


to further reinforce its status as one of the most important tourist and shopping attractions on the UK canal system. Plans for ‘The Piazza’ are


currently being considered by South Derbyshire District Council and, if approved, are set to create dozens more jobs at Europe’s largest inland marina. The Piazza will be built on the


peninsula next to the marina’s award-winning Boardwalk shopping, leisure and office development, which was opened in 2014. The proposed three-storey building, which will border the area surrounding the marina’s unique five-sided bandstand, is likely to contain a ground-floor restaurant and up to six shops, with offices on the two upper floors. It will be built in a similar style and materials to The Boardwalk. The internal design flexibility will


also allow for retailers to occupy two floors if required. Likewise, the upper floor offices can be turned into single open-plan spaces for either a large business or several smaller office spaces. Mercia Marina’s Piazza proposal


replaces a similar plan that gained planning permission at the time The Boardwalk was given the go-ahead. If approved, it is envisaged that The Piazza could be completed by December, 2017.


‘The Piazza’ viewed from the marina’s 24-acre lake. Robert Neff, General Manager of


Mercia Marina, said: “Our exciting new development proposal demonstrates just how successful we have become as a destination. “Since the marina opened in


2008, we have become recognised as a major regional tourist attraction, not only for shopping, eating and drinking, but also boat trips, boat holidays, lodge holidays and much more. “We’ve nevertheless always been


very careful to ensure our growth complements the beautiful natural environment. It is very important to us that the location remains as attractive to those seeking tranquillity as it does for those who want to shop, dine and work here.” Mr Neff said the popularity


of The Boardwalk had helped to generate many enquiries from commercial operators interested in locating businesses at the marina, meaning that the time was now right for further expansion. He


added, “Mercia Marina is probably the closest you can get in the Midlands to being by the seaside without driving to the coast. That’s certainly one reason why people like visiting us or working here”. The retailers already operating


in The Boardwalk development, including the two-storey gift and furnishings retailer Zing and the clothing retailer Bluewater, welcome the latest move as it will offer more variety for shoppers, add to the overall marina experience and potentially attract new customers. The marina operator anticipates


demand from jewellers, art galleries and other specialist stores. Interest is already being expressed by chefs and restaurateurs in the new ‘dual- aspect’ restaurant space, which will offer views of both the waterside and the bandstand. Talks are already taking place with a business interested in occupying the entire office space of The Piazza, but no deal has yet been struck.


Tek-Tanks targets business growth


Hampshire-based Tek-Tanks, which designs and manufactures water, waste and diesel tanks, has just appointed Jolyon Martin as its new Business Development Manager. Jolyon, who has worked for


some leading marine companies over the last 30 years, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him. He will be targeting new business growth, promoting the company’s core products and championing Tek-Tanks’ lesser known, but expanding, range of additional manufacturing capabilities. His appointment comes as


Tek-Tanks continue to grow, with new offices, manufacturing plant and a workshop expansion all under way. With a new website planned


(www.tek-tanks.com) and the continuation of ISO 9001 quality accreditation work, the company is looking forward to business growth throughout 2017 and beyond.


Jolyon Martin, Tek-Tanks’ Business Development Manager.


New company for Grupo Lindley


A marine engineering company, Salt Technologies, was recently formed in London under Grupo Lindley’s umbrella. Founded in 1930, the headquarters of Grupo Lindley is in Cascais, Portugal, with offices in Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro


and London. Salt Technologies offers design and engineering of marine structures, further expanding Grupo Lindley’s capability to develop new products and respond to unique projects with bespoke solutions.


MARINA EURO-REPORT • DECEMBER 2016


In addition, Salt Technologies has the capability to provide world class naval engineering services, having signed a partnership with the renowned naval architect Tony Castro.


It joins the other three


companies of Grupo Lindley: Alhlers Lindley, which manufactures floating equipment for marinas and harbours; Almarin, which produces marine aids to navigation; and Almovi, a distributor of cargo handling equipment for harbours.


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