14 MARINA PROJECTS


The role of the marina consultant T


By Mike Ward*


he nature and range of marina and waterfront development schemes being developed


worldwide is extensive and there is ever greater consideration of the value attached to the waterfront zone. These schemes are inevitably varied and complex in nature, with even the most straightforward developments requiring a multi- disciplinary approach with a broad base of expertise not commonly available within client organisations and development companies. It is important that marina operators and waterfront developers understand the role of a marina consultant and the value that they can add to new developments and refurbishment or expansion of existing facilities. Marina Projects Ltd is a


specialist Marina and Waterfront Development Consultancy based in Gosport, Hampshire, UK, and aims to capture and deliver against the client’s vision to deliver the highest of standards through a comprehensive design process. This process includes design development and the application of specialist marina and waterfront development knowledge and experience. This will typically be achieved through an iterative design


Regional and worldwide marina trends must


also be considered, often over a period of several years. These also include details such as trends in yacht sizes, power and sail, long distance cruising or racing and, of course, superyacht activity.


MARINA INDUSTRY • OCTOBER 2020


process with particular attention to the site conditions, market drivers, business case analysis and marina operational requirements. Above all, the role will involve an integrated approach often working closely with the client and a diverse project team to ensure that the completed marina scheme achieves world class distinction and features as a destination of choice, with appeal for the appropriate marine leisure markets. Marina Projects believes that


for a marina consultancy to achieve the above, they must offer a range of services, which clients can then select from and are able to choose any one or combination of required services. The services extend from concept design to operational management. However, it is not unusual for a client to simply request a feasibility study and masterplan in the first instance, to later instruct the consultant to project manage the construction of their marina or to assist with any other single stage of development. The list of available consultancy services includes, not exclusively:


● Marina master plan ● Feasibility studies ● Market research ● Business planning ● Marina design ● Operational management and support


● Project management ● Environmental and legislative advice


A good consultant understands that every client is unique with individual needs and project challenges to address. Marina Projects believe that their diverse skill set and combined breadth of experience of the consultancy team enables them to apply lessons learned to identify and overcome challenges and produce the optimum solution that balances, amongst other things, market opportunities and client aspirations. It is not uncommon for a


marina investor or developer to be relatively or even completely new to the industry and to have possibly instructed other suppliers also unfamiliar with the development of waterfront sites and marinas to work with them. Marina Projects pride themselves on being able to provide these clients with everything they need to create a successful project. One of the more common


requirements in the initial stages of a development or ahead of a


redevelopment is considering how to optimise water space and there are several stages that feed into and out of providing such a report. This is both a spatial issue, linking to the market assessment and design, but also a financial analysis looking at charging rates, occupancy and pricing structures. As noted, when looking to


optimise the water space there are numerous factors to consider – who will be using the space? When? With what? Why? The list goes on


Better use of water space for the Prince Philip Yacht Haven on England’s River Hamb


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