A leading motor boat dealer is planning to grow its business following its recent move to the new Portland Marina.

Prime Motor Yachts, has recently taken possession of new 3,200sq ft premises at the world-class marina complex and sailing destination which opened earlier this year. The company also has offices and a showroom in Weymouth.

The 560-berth marina is part of the multi-million pound regeneration of Osprey Quay at Portland. Dean & Reddyhoff was selected by the South West RDA to develop and operate the marina, located next door to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

The new £26 million Portland Marina will be part of the venue for hosting the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

A main dealer for French boat manufacturer Beneteau, Prime Motor Yachts provides a range of vessels from small day boats through to Flybridge and Sports Cruisers. The firm works closely with other local businesses which provide support for mechanical and electronics services for its customers.

Mike Turnbull, Director at Prime Motor Yachts commented: “The new Portland Marina is going to offer huge potential and we want to be a part of its future success. We will certainly be looking to expand further and in turn look to create new job opportunities with our move to the new marina. There is nowhere else on the south coast that offers this level of facility and will only serve to raise our profile further.

He continued: “With our new building, we have the flexibility to expand our facilities and continue to develop our ongoing commitment to customer service. The location is ideal for both our existing and new customers to come and visit us either by road or, of course, by sea.”

Alison Hatcher, Head of Regeneration for the South West RDA in Dorset, said “It is particularly pleasing, given the current financial climate that one of Weymouth & Portland’s own marine businesses is doing so well, following its move to this truly world-class facility. We are delighted to be supporting the development and growth of the vitally important marine sector in the South West and helping the future creation of skilled jobs. The redevelopment of Osprey Quay and creation of Portland Marina provides a fantastic opportunity to show exactly what the region has to offer.”

The five new commercial units at the Marina are part of the first phase of the scheme to be finished. Fifteen retail and maritime–related business units, offices and a new bar and restaurant will open in early to mid July. The shore-based facilities have been built on land owned by the RDA.

James Beaver, Operations Director at Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas, added: “We are delighted to have Prime Motor Yachts, our largest tenant, now on site.  A second local business, Blue Water Horizons, has also moved into its new premises here within the last couple of weeks and there is starting to be a real buzz about the place. 

“In total we now have now let 95 per cent of the business units and are continuing to get a high level of interest.  It’s very exciting to see everything coming together here and we’re looking forward to the prospect of an excellent summer ahead.”

Cllr Geoff Petherick, Theme Brief Holder for Economic Development at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news for Portland, Osprey Quay and Prime Motor Yachts. The increase in marine-based companies moving to Osprey Quay will further our aim for the site and the Borough becoming a destination for marine excellence.

“We are working with a range of other organisations with a view to securing further development and jobs within the marine sector at Osprey Quay and are also addressing the need for skills development and training. We are planning to increase awareness of local young people about the potential opportunities for working in marine businesses, capitalising on the benefit of the 2012 Games”.

Portland Marina is the largest single yacht marina constructed in the UK since Dean & Reddyhoff built Haslar Marina in 1993. Facilities at Portland include extensive washrooms and showers, parking for 475 vehicles, extensive hard-standing areas for yacht maintenance and dry stack storage for powerboats.  A brand new waterside bar/restaurant will also be opening at the marina next month.  Overall, the development is expected to generate more than 150 new jobs for the local area.