Walcon Marine has supplied the pontoons and walkways for a new marina basin on the River Thames, within the Harleyford Estate, some 30 miles west of central London. The new infrastructure provides 146 berths for boats between 6 and 18 metres in length. The Harleyford Estate is regarded as one of the most beautiful private country estates in the South of England and as well as the marinas the landscaped grounds include an 18th century manor house, luxury holiday homes and a championship golf course.
The new basin joins an existing, Five Gold Anchor facility that has been in operation since 1970 with berths for 267 boats. Planning for the new marina began in 2002, but obtaining the necessary permissions was a lengthy process, followed by the excavation of the basin which was undertaken as a commercial enterprise involving the removal and sale of the underlying gravel. So it was not until August 2016 that principal contractor Greenford Ltd arrived on site to undertake the installation and groundworks.
The marina uses floating Walcon System 2000 pontoons, the majority of which are held in place by piles. While the stretch of the Thames on which the marina lies is between two locks, the water level can still vary by up to a metre and flooding can occur. Floating pontoons therefore give a margin of safety in the event of fluctuating water levels. They are also easier to maintain than the fixed berthing facilities often found on inland waterways. Power and water are available throughout.
Walcon worked closely with Estate Manager Mark Pearce to design a marina that took into account both the river environment and the need to use the available space efficiently. In addition to the standard floating pontoons ten articulated finger pontoons have also been installed. The articulation allows them rise and fall within a limited range, and by removing the need for a rear walkway they can be fitted in areas of limited space. Four ‘herringbone’ finger berths each 18 metres long were also specified for barges and narrowboats up to 18 metres long. By coming off the rear walkway at 45° angle the distance that each protrudes into the basin is substantially reduced and aids the boats with manoeuvring.
Mark Pearce commented: “We are very pleased with the layout and new pontoons that Walcon has supplied. Our new berth holders are very impressed with the quality and space found in the new Lagoon. Walcon and Harleyford Estate have worked hard to ensure that the layout works well for boats from 6 metres up to 21 metre barges, and we would definitely recommend them.”
Go to https://youtu.be/glx43GI50Ys to view a time-lapse video of the marina being constructed. It is now fully open for business with just a few berths remaining.