Committee: | Finance committee |
Date: | 17th January 2024. |
Title of Report: | Request for funds to clear sand from marina entrance |
Context: | This report aims to seek approval for funds to clear Marina entrance by local contractors. |
Report Author: | Jake Babington – Beachfront Operations Manager |
The Marina requires funds to clear the entrance of the largest build up sand since RTC have taken ownership of the Marina. Due to the severe adverse weather we have experienced at the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024, the sand has blown in and built up to such a level it is near on impossible for vessels to enter/ exit the Marina.
This has been an issue since taking ownership and one that the previous owners, IWC ,have also had to deal with after what we suspect is the lack of beach management plan causing the continual build-up of sand around the harbour arm and now into the entrance. This has previously been completed twice in 2023 by K Coghlan and Reynolds and Read.
Although there is at least a £15,000 cost to this clearance, it will stand us in good stead for the start of the 2024/25 season and new contracts being sent out to berth holders. At present we have had minimal complaints from berth holders on being able to exit the Marina. However, the majority if not all, would have grounds to request a refund or a freezing of their current DD due to not being able to use their vessel. Of which could not only have financial implications now, but also in the future with customers being put off from keeping their boat with us.
Although a long-term solution is being developed with assistance from Portsmouth University and Atkins Realis, in the short-term having it cleared is our only option. Local contractors were approached for quotes to clear this sand upon a per tide quote, of which only K Coghlan replied (£1,250 per tide). Reynolds and Read did not respond to the contact.
I recommend that K.Coghlan be appointed contractor to carry out the work. Irrespective of the fact they are the only applicants. Their work is of a high quality and speed.
