News Article

Plans for a new leisure marina in the Tweed estuary have been dropped after detailed investigations revealed the cost of compensating for the environmental impact would be too great.

Studies carried out by specialist consultants Genecon and Royal Haskoning revealed that whilst a leisure marina could be constructed alongside Dock Road in Tweedmouth, or by digging out part of Spittal Point, the project would cost up to £15 million.

A large part of this would be to pay for the creation of new wildlife habitats which would have to be provided to replace those destroyed by the project.

The marina was a potential regeneration initiative identified in the master plan commissioned by the Berwick’s Future Steering Group, comprising Berwick Borough Council, Berwick Community Development Trust, Berwick Local Strategic Partnership, English Heritage, Government Office North East, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Strategic Partnership and One North East.

Public consultation showed significant support and so the Berwick Harbour Commission, in partnership with the steering group and other key agencies, commissioned the studies to see if a new marina was feasible and affordable.

However the Tweed Estuary has earned a very special reputation for both wildlife and related habitats.  It is of international significance and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

This means that if any part of it is used for development, new compensatory environmental habitats would have to be created.  Not only would this be extremely expensive but identifying suitable sites would be virtually impossible because all of the area – including the adjacent coast – already enjoys very similar designation and protection.

Alan Irving, Chairman of Berwick Harbour Commission, said:  “We wanted to see if it would be possible to have a new leisure marina in the Tweed estuary, working alongside the existing commercial dock, to bring people to the area and enhance tourism in Berwick.  The studies prove that while there is a lot of interest in such a facility, this is just not possible for economic and environmental reasons.   

Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development with Berwick Borough Council, added:  “It was very important to use expert economists and environmentalists on this work to assess what the true impact of a leisure marina would be. 

“The studies prove that Berwick has great potential as a tourism destination, particularly for leisure craft users, but the estuary is such a unique area for wildlife that a marina is just not feasible. 

“The findings also give us certainty about what can and cannot be done along the riverside areas.  We will have to look for other ways of promoting the river, including the use of a floating pontoon for smaller craft and possibly cruise ships.  We are already part of One North East Cruise Tourism initiative and know that there is potential to enhance this for the future.” 
 
Dr. Fiona Aungier, Chairperson with the Berwick Wildlife Group, commented:  “We are delighted that the enormous importance of the Tweed Estuary for wildlife has been recognised.  No other town in Northumberland or the Borders has such a beautiful, accessible wildlife site of international importance right at it’s core.  Properly managed for appropriate river craft and promoted with trails, hides, guided walks and bird watching holidays, it could greatly increase Berwick's potential for tourism.” 

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Media contact:  Paul Dobbie at Persuasion Public Relations on 0191 214 0222.  Email: paul.dobbie@persuasion-pr.com