ON THE WATER
preferred bidder in November last year, and
There are moorings in Bembridge Harbour
we said that we wanted to complete before
for nearly 700 boats, including block moorings
Christmas.”
for sailing and angling clubs, the 100-berth
In the few months since they acquired
visitors’ pontoon and the fishermen’s pontoon.
made, even though both agree that overall it
Dredging the harbour will be ongoing through
could be a project that will take somewhere
the spring and autumn months, and that
between 10 and 15 years to complete.
should enable more visitors’ boats to use the
Malcolm mused: “Bembridge Harbour is
virtually unique – there are probably only two
or three more like it in the whole of the United
“Although we want to expand that side of the
owned harbour. Some are Trust ports and
the local sailors, and we don’t want to crowd
some are commercial, but to actually be
out the harbour too much. But we also want
private is quite something. The last few
to extend the season by encouraging people
months have been fascinating. We have an
to come that bit earlier and still return beyond
open door to everyone and the meetings
September,” Malcolm explained.
House boat moorings are an integral part of
moved into ‘cash’ – relaxing and enjoying
for the Island.
business, we also have to take into account
organisations have all been very positive.”
So they moved away from property, and
harbour, and hopefully generate more income
Kingdom, because you rarely get a privately
we have had with various bodies and
general was in decline.
marina for local residents, the 120-berth
the harbour positive strides have been
Off the water there are a few opportunities
to deal with some minor and discreet property
development to further enhance the harbour,
Bembridge Harbour, but until recently were
which will be addressed later in the year once
controlled by a company in Jersey. But the
the core business is in place.
Thorpes made it clear they wanted them to
Malcolm added: “The Bembridge Harbour
come under the umbrella of the Bembridge
Trust has given us its support which is very
Harbour Authority, which has now been
pleasing. A lot of ‘TLC’ needs to be done, but
implemented. And House Boat owners turned
I have told my staff there really is a future for
out in force at an open forum with Malcolm
Bembridge Harbour; we want to have fun
and Fiona, and the feedback was pleasingly
doing it, and they are up for the challenge.
positive from both sides.
“If we can bring some form of stability and
As a side issue to the harbour, various
relationship with the local community in the
months ago he wanted a fresh challenge.
properties along Embankment Road have
first year we will have done really well. We
Although at the time Bembridge Harbour was
also been acquired by the new owners, with
have not increased any prices right across
little more than a dot on the horizon of their
Malcolm and Fiona eager to foster good
the board, and it is all about being open with
radar, it soon became apparent to them that
relationships with the tenants to further
people and working with them. It’s a hearts
maybe it could be acquired.
improve the harmony that is fast descending
and minds process. There is no quick fix, but
on the area.
there is a lot of inter-action which is beginning
themselves until Malcolm decided about 18
Bembridge Harbour subsequently went
into administration, and that was when
“It is a very diverse business, and we
Malcolm and Fiona stepped in and agreed
are just trying to do a good balancing act,”
terms to buy it through a tender process.
Malcolm explained. “It is a huge challenge
Malcolm recalls: “We found out we were the
and huge responsibility.”
to work. We want people to know that
Bembridge Harbour does still exist.”
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