Configuring the layout of your water space to optimise mooring income is a critical step. Turning and manoeuvring circles and access routes to the entrance and facilities need to be carefully planned. The viability of the project will be very sensitive to the number of berths you can accommodate so it is worth spending time making sure you get this right. A pontoon supplier may be willing to provide an early indicative layout and basic costs.
Once you have an indication of the potential mooring capacity of the site it is fairly simple to estimate the potential gross income from moorings.
You will need to develop realistic annual running costs such as staff costs, annual and periodic maintenance, utility costs, insurance, rates etc. You will also need a Network Access Agreement with us to connect your marina or mooring basin to our network. The annual payment for this is currently calculated at 9% of the gross revenue potential, based on the site's agreed mooring capacity. More information on this agreement can be found in the Our Application Process - Legal Agreements page of this website.
The scale of the development and the attributes of the site will obviously determine the cost of the scheme. The cost of fees, studies etc are usually at least an additional 20% - 30% of the cost of the scheme. Larger schemes and marinas which include other income producing activities such as boat sales, repairs, hire boats, retail sales cafes etc will require more sophisticated financial models. If you can calculate the indicative gross development cost, comparing this with projected income will give an early indication of viability. Prospective marina developers should undertake their own research into the viability of their proposal and should take professional advice to determine the suitability of a site, likely development costs and the likelihood of securing a successful planning consent. Be aware however that these will vary substantially according to local conditions, so you should not proceed without your own local research.
Your scheme may be eligible for certain grants, depending on its location, site conditions, method of construction and what you are aiming to develop. Criteria will apply and grants are always subject to funds available. The Local Authority may have a grants/regeneration/small business advisor who should be able to advise you.
In rural areas the government has grant schemes aimed at helping farmers adapt to changing markets and develop new business opportunities. See links below for more details. It is also worth checking with other regeneration agencies.
DEFRA www.defra.gov.uk
Scotland and Wales www.direct.gov.uk
Last date edited: 10 July 2018