Whitianga marina is saying ahoy to more top end cruising boats, boosting tourism in the 'fast-growing tourist town”.
The boutique marina recently underwent a multimillion dollar upgrade with 31 new berths being added to the site.
These larger berths will join the 190 moderate sized berths already present.
Built 34 years ago, Whitianga marina was considered 'the gateway to the Mercury Islands” by local tourism operators, being right in the midst of the local venues and hospitality on offer.
The site was expected to attract a mixture of people to Whitianga, especially top tier luxury yacht and vessel owners, says Whitianga Marina Society chairman Calum McGillivray.
'We knew that one day we had to bite the bullet and upgrade.
'The people that walk the wharf and the pontoons are just raving about it, and it's been an extremely pleasant surprise.”
Whitianga Marina Society finished upgrading its fuel facility just over a year ago and with both developments, they were looking at a total cost of $20 million.
The pre-sale of the berths 'self-funded” the marina upgrades was the key incentive for the work being done, says Calum.
The upgrade involved a new concrete seawall and was estimated to cost $20 million but had been 'self-funded” by the pre-sale of 31 new berths. Photo: Stuff.
He says it will provide a 'hell of a lot of jobs” and will make far more efficient use of their footprint in the area.
'There was no benefit in doing this work...so they [original members of Whitianga marina society] says as long as it doesn't cost us anything we'll give the go ahead to do it.”
Thames-Coromandel District Mayor, Len Salt says the upgrade will be good for businesses and job opportunities in Whitianga and further afield.
'The Marina upgrade is great news for business and the creation of job opportunities in Whitianga.
'This'll bring welcome relief during what's been a trying time for the hospitality and visitor sector in the town and surrounds.”
Nearly all the berths had now been purchased, and the marina was officially opened on April 6 but would be fully operational on June 1 once roadway access to the new section of the marina had been installed.
'We will continue to upgrade the facility and keep it modern and fresh as we accept our responsibility to the community and the growth of the area, says Calum.
1 comment
Lost on many Coastal Councils
Posted on 22-04-2023 09:27 | By M@M
It amazing how a major resource is ignored by many coastal councils. A marina that the public is able to walk through is a major attraction. In any coastal town any where in the world, I would make a bee line to the Marina. I remember In Spain looking with envy at the super yachts backed up to the wharf walls. Truly lovely and being able to sit in a cafe overlooking the Marina. I remember a harbour cafe eating prawns and looking out the window onto tugboats light up at night. Magical .
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