Overwater Marina Open Day tomorrow

The construction of Overwater Marina, Audlem is now well underway, with all of the basin excavated and many of the jetties in place. The facilities building is going up at a rapid pace and also the workshop, with the slipway already complete.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the invitation to come and view the marina to appreciate its unique design and stunning location.

Overwater Marina will be holding its first Open Day for visitors and prospective moorers this Sunday (22nd November) between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Although not yet complete there will be access to a viewing area and Janet and Angus Maughan will be available to provide information on mooring availability. Moorings are selling fast so come along to reserve your chosen space.

The Marina can be accessed from Coole Lane (postcode CW5 8AY). The Marina entrance is just past the turning for Hollin Green Lane and is on your right (from Audlem) on the long straight.

Alternatively you can walk from Audlem along the canal (approx 15-20mins) leaving the towpath at Bridge 80. Follow the farm track along the top of the Marina and then take a left hand turn and walk down the farm track alongside the site until you get to the site compound.

Wellingtons or stout footwear are advisable as the site is still under construction with all the associated Health & Safety restrictions.

We will also be having further Open Days prior to our Grand Opening in March 2010.

Overwater MarinaThe 200-berth Overwater Marina is located just north of Audlem. It represents over two years of detailed research and careful planning by the Maughan family, who also run the successful 'Overwater' herd of pedigree dairy cattle, and their project manager Mark Jenkinson who specialises in new marina developments.

DesignA feature of the Marina is its particularly distinctive design which is almost exclusively soft edged with moorings set in secluded bays.

The site itself dictated the design we are using. Whenever we considered how the marina should look we kept coming back to the soft edged approach which just seems to sit so well with the stunning rural surroundings. The build process is being undertaken in partnership with Land and Water Services Ltd who we have established a really open relationship with, which has helped us to keep a grip on cost and work within the projected programme.

Land and Water Services are renowned for their skills in waterway engineering and sustainable designs. At Overwater they are employing state of the art GPS technology to ensure that the marina is built to perfection.

The soft edged approach will provide not only some of the most beautiful moorings in the country, but also a haven for wildlife which, with my background as an environmental scientist, I'm keen to promote.

The project is being part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas, and is being delivered through the Northwest Development Agency with DEFRA as the Managing Authority.

Open in Spring 2010The marina will open in Spring 2010 and bookings are already being taken. The safe and secure moorings have car parking close to the jetties. Facilities will include Wifi access and 16 amp electricity to every boat, water to all jetty bollards, pump out and Elsan disposal and re-fuelling.

Toilets and showers, a launderette, shop and cafe are also planned in the purpose built reception building which will utilise renewable technologies including extracting heat from the ground via a heat exchanger and solar panels to provide hot water. A boat workshop and slipway, will complete the facilities.

The nearby village of Audlem, famous for the Shroppie Fly pub and its wide range of shops and hostelries, can be reached by walking along the towpath from the marina.

Working with Audlem businessesThe Maughan family hope to work closely with many of the local businesses to develop and provide moorers with a range of useful facilities, from boat valeting services to vegetable box deliveries. You can find out more about the marina at its website which can be found at www.overwatermarina.co.uk or by telephoning 01270 812748.

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