Malcolm Thorpe.
EXCITING plans have been revealed for the future of Bembridge Harbour.
New owners, Malcolm and Fiona Thorpe, explained the ideas and changes they want to implement to a responsive audience at a packed Bembridge Village Hall.
The couple bought the 150-acre harbour at the end of last year and hope to start making improvements within the next three months.
Proposed changes include upgrades to the marina, fishermen’s and visitors’ pontoons, extensive dredging, improved facilities, updating the harbour website, regular meetings and contact with the public, and some possible onshore re-development.
Mr Thorpe said: "We have applied for a licence so the dredging process can begin and we are currently in discussions with two companies. We want to start work on the pontoons because they are in desperate need of improvement. We are ready to place orders for them."
Mr Thorpe also revealed plans to improve onshore facilities and to be open and transparent with stakeholders and members of the public.
He added: "Visitors are very important and we want to attract more people to the harbour and to the village. We want to make the harbour a real focal point for visitors and residents. We have had some very positive meetings with stakeholders and community groups and I want this to continue. I also want to meet some of the houseboat owners to hear their thoughts and ideas and gain respect and credibility from everyone.
"There is no quick fix but I hope people will bear with us while the changes take place. We know it is a long-term project and are under no illusions about that."
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk