Marina reports high demand for new £6m development

Mercia Marina has reported high demand for a new £6 million mixed used development for which planning permission was recently confirmed.

Councillors at South Derbyshire District Council approved the plans for the development, known as the Promenade, last March – but have now formally green-lit the scheme, paving the way for construction to start.

The Promenade will house 14 apartments above seven ground floor retail units.

Made from glass, stone and timber, the building will mirror two similar developments, which have been created at the 77-acre site, near Willington, over the past decade – the Boardwalk and Piazza.

According to Mercia Marina, interest in the 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as the retail units, has already been high.

In a statement, Mercia Marina said: “This new landmark building is set to seamlessly integrate with the award-winning architecture of the Boardwalk and Piazza buildings, enhancing the overall appeal of the popular site.

“Prospective homeowners are eager to secure one of the luxurious apartments and names are being added to the list of interested people daily.

“The apartments come to market for purchase off-plan this spring. Early registrants will have the exclusive opportunity to reserve their preferred unit.

“Retailers are equally enthusiastic about becoming part of the vibrant shopping hub already thriving at the marina that enjoys over 800,000 visitors a year.”

Over the years, Mercia Marina, which is the UK’s largest inland marina, has grown from a former fishing lake in a gravel pit to becoming one of the leading leisure and tourism businesses in the East Midlands.

It supports more than 300 jobs directly, and many more indirectly.

Mercia Marina has moorings for more than 600 narrowboats, as well as housing dozens of high-quality holiday lodges.

Mercia Marina said: “The Promenade is poised to be extraordinary, complementing our existing landmark buildings whilst bringing its own distinction, and growing our offering for visitors and residents alike.

“The apartments will provide residents with a truly unique home which provides the ease and pace of life that our moorers and lodge owners already enjoy.

“Next steps are in motion to bring this development to life. We are excited to get underway, acknowledging the keen interest of many customers who aspire to invest in something genuinely special.”