C&N Marinas to re-design St Katharine Docks, London

TAGS: marina UK seas

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas have been appointed by the Blackstone Group to take over the management and operation of central London’s marina St Katharine Docks.

The historic docks, located by Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, are due to undergo a ‘careful refurbishment and restoration programme’ which will see the marina re-launched later this year under the Camper & Nicholsons brand, with 170 new berths with a max. LOA of 40+ metres.

Camper & Nicholsons already operates Cesme Marina in Turkey, Grand Harbour Marina in Malta and Port Louis Marina, Grenada.

Since acquiring the site in late 2014, Blackstone has been working to restore the marina, and C&N Marinas were commissioned to conduct a detailed audit and create a proposal for its refurbishment, leading to its full management and operation.

Dan Hughes, business development director at Camper & Nicholsons (C&N) Marinas said: ‘We have worked closely with Blackstone on a new vision for the Docks, to develop a genuinely international marina as part of a thriving waterside community in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities. The plans include an improved marina layout and berth plan, better facilities both ashore and afloat, and an overall improvement to the marina experience.’

Sean Purdy, marketing director at C&N Marinas said: ‘The vision for the marina is for it to become a thriving hub of yachting and social activity for London – ‘the capital of the world’. As this 24-hour city adapts to the needs and demands of its ever-growing international business population, we see St Katharine Docks being at the heart of that.’

Guy Rudd, managing director of Blackstone Property Management added: ‘We are delighted to be working with Camper & Nicholsons on the rejuvenation of St Katharine Docks. As well as being an important cultural destination and Central London’s only marina, the docks is a prominent mixed-use community featuring modern and unique office space, luxury homes and quayside dining and shopping. This partnership will further enhance the business and lifestyle offer at the Docks, so that we can continue to attract leading occupiers.

‘As a key London landmark, St Katharine Docks holds appeal to yacht owners, affluent travelers, discerning Londoners and visitors, and progressive companies alike. The quality of the marina is integral to the appeal of the Docks, and the waterfront is being enhanced with an increasingly diverse range of quality restaurants and retailers, while still retaining its historic charm.’

In addition to starting operation in the city of London, Camper & Nicholsons are also creating an entirely new marina in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Located on the eastern side of this most iconic of yachting harbours, the marina at Victoria Quay is scheduled to open in the summer of 2017 and will be a key contributor to the regeneration of East Cowes.

With two operational marinas in England, this represents something of a homecoming for Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, nearly 15 years after they last managed a marina in the UK.