Press Release
THE CROWN ESTATE PURCHASE RHU MARINA
14 April 2008
One of Scotland’s best known marinas has been bought by The Crown Estate in a deal worth an initial £4 million.
The acquisition of the 175-berth marina with related facilities on a 2.6 ha (6.5 acre) site on the Firth of Clyde represents a major boost to the growing marine leisure market in Scotland.
Welcoming the news, The Crown Estate’s Director of Marine Estate, Rob Hastings, said: “Rhu marina is one of the best known names in the marine leisure industry in Scotland and so it is fitting that this is our first purchase of a Scottish marina. It is in a wonderful location as the Firth of Clyde is recognised as one of the finest sailing areas in the world.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to invest in the growing marine leisure industry in Scotland and is the first of a number of investments we hope to make as part of our new marine investment strategy.”
The marine leisure industry makes a significant contribution to Scottish tourism. It is estimated to be worth almost £3 billion in the UK and is growing in Scotland at a rate of more than 10% a year.
The site purchased includes the moorings, boat storage areas, marine workshops and chandlery as well as the RNLI station with slipway and HM Coastguard. The marina is fully let in the summer and the site is earmarked in the local plan for development.
A master plan for the site, to include an expanded marina and related business as well as high quality apartments, is now being drawn up for The Crown Estate by well known Scottish architects, RMJM. The new plans will see the number of berths almost doubled and will include increased car parking and a new restaurant.
Under the new arrangement, the marina will be leased to Quay Marinas who also lease Deganwy marina in north Wales from The Crown Estate.
Further Information
 Rhu Marina
Moorings and Marinas
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