Construction begins on new Union canal marina

It is part of the Winchburgh Development plan.

An artist's impression of the new marina.

Construction work has begun on a new marina on the Union Canal in West Lothian.

It is part of the £1 billion Winchburgh development, which at 352 hectares is one of the largest current projects in the UK, located in the village of Winburgh seven miles from Edinburgh Airport.

The new marina will be opened in two stages, with the marina basin and 20 marina berths due to open in spring 2021.

The second phase will include a facilities building, pontoons and 29 canal moorings.

Located in the centre of Winchburgh village, the marina will connect to the Union Canal towpath and by footbridge to the new Daisy Park.

Its construction, led by engineering firm l&H Brown, comes as the canal approaches its 200th anniversary in 2022.

CEO of Scottish Canals Catherine Topley said: “The start of works at Winchburgh Marina cements Scottish Canals place within this historic village and demonstrates our commitment to regenerating Scotland’s canal network.

"This fantastic development will create new and exciting opportunities for people to live and work on our canals for years to come.

"The new marina at Winchburgh coincides with the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Union Canal, showcasing that Scotland’s canals have adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century.”

The local community council heralded the works launch as a ‘real boost’ for the community.

Vice Chair Pete Nisbet said: “It’s no secret that back in 2005 when we first saw these plans, many locals never believed that they would see the day that Winchburgh would have its own marina.

“Needless to say, everyone is thrilled now that this indeed is going to become a reality.

"It’s a real boost for the community to see work commencing and something that we can all now look forward to watching take shape.”

Pierre Puyrigaud, Senior Development Manager at Winchburgh Developments Limited said: “For the past ten years we have been working closely with Scottish Canals to fulfil our ambition to deliver a new marina on the Union Canal at Winchburgh.

"It’s very exciting for us and the entire community to now see work beginning on site.

"This new marina will provide a host of amenities for locals and visitors, including new leisure facilities, opportunities for new restaurant and café spaces, and new homes.”

The £1 billion Winchburgh development will create at least 3,800 new homes, including 75 affordable houses and 450 houses for social rent.

There will also be a new town centre, schools, transport links and the 78-acre Auldcathie District Park.

Winchburgh Developments Ltd, which is responsible for the masterplan of the project, last week announced a new contract with J Smart & Co. for 64 new apartments and townhouses overlooking the marina.

Canal Quarter will include 50 one, two and three bed apartments as well as 14 three-bed townhouses, many of which will overlook the marina and the canal.

Duncan Brown, Director at I&H Brown said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to construct the new canal marina which is so crucial to the success of this development and will provide a great focal point for the community alongside the new town centre.”

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