South Dock Marina in Southwark is set for a major £8 million overhaul aimed at improving health and safety across the site, following the recent approval of a redevelopment plan.

Led by Southwark Council, the upgrade programme has been granted planning permission, pending further consultation with local businesses to finalise details around relocation and affordable workspace provision.

Located on the south bank of the Thames, South Dock Marina hosts more than 200 berths and serves as a key hub for the borough’s marine and local economy. The site has already seen incremental upgrades over the past decade, with preparations for this latest round of structural improvements now underway.

A public consultation on the proposed design was carried out in 2023. Feedback from local stakeholders informed a revised plan that has now been approved by the Council's planning committee.

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The redevelopment will focus on reorganising the boatyard to create safer and more efficient workflows. Privately-owned containers and outdated structures will be replaced with purpose-built workshops and boat sheds that meet modern standards for fire safety, energy efficiency, and thermal performance. Priority for new leases will be given to existing boatyard businesses.

Key elements of the health and safety upgrade include:

• Modernising the electrical supply and distribution

• Replacing and relocating the facilities block

• Creating safe and segregated access to workshops

• Improving pedestrian and vehicle circulation

• Addressing ground subsidence with drainage and resurfacing works

• Reconfiguring layout zones for various boat-related activities

Additionally, the Council will replace the marina's nearly 40-year-old crane with a new model, which will be installed slightly south of its current position on new foundations.

Under the revised tenancy model, the Council will continue to manage business units on site. Existing boatyard businesses will be offered discounted rents, transitioning to market rates over time. Maritime-focused businesses will be eligible for long-term discounted leases to promote the marina’s role as a maritime centre of excellence.

With planning consent secured, construction is expected to begin later this year. Initial work will focus on surveys, site clearance, and installation of underground services. Above-ground construction of the new facilities is scheduled to commence early next year.