Lock around the clock at Milford Haven
The current programme is for all site investigation and design work to be completed over the next 12 months with the site work being carried out throughout 2013.
A new £5m project is secure Milford Haven’s future as a top sailing destination in addition to its established role as the UK’s third largest port.
New lock gates are to be designed and installed at Milford Marina over the next two years, transforming the way the Marina can be accessed and boosting marine tourism and business in Milford Haven.
The development is part of Visit Wales' Coastal Tourism Project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, to encourage tourism along the Welsh coastline.
Andrew Brown, engineering director at Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) said, “At the moment berth holders just can’t access and exit as much as they’d like. Our plans will reduce the locking time and make Milford Marina one of the most accessible locked marinas anywhere in Britain. From an engineering point of view this is an exciting project since the introduction of a completely new set of lock gates is a rare occurrence in British docks.”
The move is part of a major investment undertaken by the Port Authority to make Milford Marina one of the top marine leisure destinations. The announcement of funding comes during the 20th anniversary of Milford Marina and reflects the confidence that Milford Haven Port Authority has for the future of Milford Docks.
Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies AM said, “This demonstrates how through partnership working we can maximise our resources to deliver a range of schemes and provide first class facilities to improve the visitor experience of our outstanding coast and help showcase what Wales has to offer to visitors.”
The new lock gates, which will be constructed inside the existing lock, will offer sailors a 24 hour locking service compared to the limited current access. The new lock facility is due to be completed before December 2013.
The Coastal Tourism project will implement key elements of the coastal tourism strategy with a focus on Green Sea and coastal water sports and recreation activity. Three Coastal Centres of Excellence (in Aberdaron, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Bay), and Green Sea Partnership will bring together these key elements.
The estimated gross cost of project is £5.5m including improvements to the access channel into the lock. This includes £800,000 from ERDF through Visit Wales and the Welsh Government.
The current programme is for all site investigation and design work to be completed over the next 12 months with the site work being carried out throughout 2013. The construction contract will include specific reference to the need to minimise any disruption to the existing lock operation.
Upon completion, a 24 hour programme of locking will be able to be introduced with throughput, even on spring times, taking no longer than 30 minutes.
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