Bembridge Harbour Authority is reflecting on a successful year for the harbour and has confirmed that improvement works are set to get underway this Winter.
A new admin and facilities building will start to be built across 2 phases following a prolonged legal battle.
Planning permission to enhance the offering at Bembridge Harbour was first sought in May 2014 but ‘continual intervention’ by the local lobby group Bembridge Harbour Trust has slowed things down. 3 legal challenges from the Trust have gone in Bembridge Harbour Authority’s favour.
In defending their position in the High Court, where justice does not come cheap, the Harbour Authority and associated business has racked up an eye-watering £140,000 legal and professional bill.
On the water… visiting boat numbers are said to have increased this annum again over previous years, thanks to summer weather – and the scorching temperatures – creating the perfect outdoor environment.
Resident berth holder numbers have also increased with full capacity on marina pontoons.
Entrance channel dredging has been improved beyond recognition since the Summer of 2021 with both width and depth being increased and dredged material being used on the Island and the mainland.
