The last 20 years has seen steady growth in boat ownership on our inland waterway
network. Demographic and lifestyle trends point to an acceleration of demand
growth over the coming decade. Boats require secure long term moorings and we are
keen to encourage further investment in quality inland marinas to underpin the
market potential.
The purpose of this site is to facilitate successful canal marina and lay-by
developments by providing specialist information. It includes market analysis,
illustrative investment cases and advice on identifying potentially suitable sites.
It explains our requirements and recommendations of schemes that will connect to
our network, our application process and our role through the planning and
development process. It also contains a wealth of other useful references and links.
The site assumes that the developer already has a basic understanding of the
construction, property development and planning processes. Its emphasis therefore
is on aspects specific to marinas. Marina development and construction carries
risks similar to those of any development project, so access to sound professional
advice, which is independent of this guide, is essential.
Please note that this site does not include information relating to the development
of non-mooring basins, on-line moorings or river navigation marinas. For information
relating to these please refer to the
Code of Practice for Works Affecting British Waterways.
In addition, if a proposed canal marina or lay-by development includes any of
the following related works then the Code of Practice for Works Affecting British
Waterways will apply to those aspects:
- Service Crossings
- Water abstraction and discharge
- The installation of services in the towpath
- Demolition
- Future maintenance works affecting British Waterways' Property
- Diving Operations
- Hydropower and leisure facilities requiring water abstraction
Marina development can be a complex process but we are committed to supporting
and facilitating developers through this process with our dedicated New Marinas
Unit and with the information provided on this site. We are eager to see successful
new marina developments established across our network.