THE first phase of a £5.8m marina regeneration is complete.

Swanwick Marina, located on the eastern bank of the River Hamble, has been in operation since the 1970s and Premier Marinas has invested millions of pounds to build a modern, industry-leading yard.

Developers believe the boatyard, which has purpose-built accommodation for marine services, will now challenge the best on the south coast.

Premier Marinas chief executive Pete Bradshaw said: “Premier Marinas prides itself on providing first-class facilities and customer service.

“Swanwick’s new boatyard will provide an unrivalled boatyard on the River Hamble and, in turn, the expansion of the marina will encourage growth across the whole site.”

Existing tenants Dixon Yacht Design, Clipper Marine, Sea Ventures, Marine Clean and Swanwick Marine Engineering are all moving into the new complex.

It is made up of 16 individual offices and workshops and houses services including boat sales, heating, engine maintenance and marine electronics.

A new dry stack area has been installed to house boats of up to 11 metres in length and provide owners with an alternative to keeping their boat in the water.

The area provides security against theft, allows boat owners to maximise their time on the water and can store up to 80 boats.