THE future is bright for a revamped city centre marina.

This is the view of Associated British Ports bosses, who are pumping £3m into a project to breathe new life into Southampton’s Town Quay.

Hundreds of extra sailors are expected to flock to the upgraded marina which will now be open to shortstay visitors in addition to those who pay for a berth on an annual basis.

It is hoped that this change, together with the introduction of round-theclock support from an experienced team, will attract people who want to pop into the city for a few hours.

The marina has shops and top restaurant La Margherita, but it is also just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping district, the cinema and other eateries.

Details of the work being carried out have been exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo.

The redevelopment includes a new reception, a luxury shower block complete with the ultimate in home comforts and improvements to water and electricity supplies. The pontoons have also been redesigned to allow for easier access and berths have been split into different price categories, from economy to diamond.

Some packages include special offers to entice visitors out to the city’s Harbour Lights cinema and the Turner Sims concert hall.

The finishing touches are just being put to a new berth-holders’ balcony with views of the water. A wide pedestrian boulevard and an area to give passers-by a view of the ships will be the second part of the project.

The final phase of the scheme will involve refurbishing the interior of shared spaces and offices.

Town Quay manager Lex Bancroft said: “We are able to achieve really high standards.

That’s what the project is about. We are a small marina and we can offer such a personal service; it is like a community.

“Also, we are in the city centre. Lots of marinas claim to be, but we are.

You can literally get off your boat and walk to John Lewis in minutes.

“We have been listening to what our customers want. It is down to the silly little things that just make their stay more pleasurable.”

Port boss Doug Morrison said: “ABP is proud to own one of Southampton’s historic waterside landmarks and to commit significant funding to enable key improvements at the marina.”

The unveiling came just weeks after the Daily Echo revealed ambitious £450m plans to transform the Royal Pier site. The developer in charge of the project produced images which show a multi-storey five-star hotel, marina, offices and casino along the waterfront. The revamped Town Quay has already attracted some celebrities and is currently a base for British powerboat champion Shelley Jory, who has become an ambassador for the project, and the America’s Cup shore-based team.

Bosses also plan to attract another restaurant to the quay and later to redevelop its two vacant units.