Floating Concepts hires British Waterways director

Manchester-based 'waterspace developer', Floating Concepts, has recruited former British Waterways regeneration director Derek Cochrane to its board.

Cochrane will supervise the masterplanning of harbour, port and marina developments. He will also be a consultant to Floating Concepts' associated company, Harbourside Marina, which operates the 370-berth Liverpool Marina and associated facilities.

Foating Concepts' first schemes are likely to be in the South Docks in Liverpool and at Salford Quays. Its first floating live or work unit is being imported from Denmark and is expected to arrive in Liverpool in early December 2008.

David Beard, chief executive of Floating Concepts, said: "There are plenty of opportunities out there, but we are trying to concentrate our attention on locations with forward looking planning authorities who can appreciate just what a powerful regenerative influence our developments can be in these difficult economic times. The south coast and London Docklands are also of particular interest to us."