New Islington marina to open in summer

A marina and park at the New Islington development in east Manchester will open in the summer, according to lead developer Urban Splash and its partners delivering the scheme.

Canal works, which will bring boats into New Islington for the first time, have started. The Rochdale and Ashton canals are being connected to the marina at New Islington, which will give boaters access to an eco-friendly building with laundry, toilet and shower facilities. The marina will also provide moorings for up to 40 boats, complete with electric and water points. As well as being available for visitors, there will also be dedicated moorings for residential and long term leases.

The works are going ahead following a £4.4m investment from the North West Development Agency towards public realm development at the scheme and are expected to be completed by summer this year.

Paul Lakin, head of land and property at the NWDA, said: "Opening up the canals is an important step in generating new revenue and attracting private sector investment into the wider development of the area."

Richard Hattan, director at Urban Splash, added: "We even have our own park keeper on site to keep the area looking fantastic and assist visitors who are mooring there."

The New Islington project is being delivered in partnership between urban regeneration company New East Manchester, the NWDA, the Homes & Communities Agency, Manchester City Council, lead developer Urban Splash, Great Places Housing Group and also has had funding from the European Regional Development Fund.