Just three waterfront retail units remain up for grabs as Mercia Marina’s new £1.7m Boardwalk development begins to take shape.
Derby-based Davlyn Construction has now set the foundations for The Boardwalk and the main structure is going up fast, giving the first indication of how the final development will look once it’s completed this summer.
Mercia Marina, in Findern Lane, Willington, South Derbyshire, has already secured tenants for three of the Boardwalk’s shop units as well as the flagship bar-restaurant, which will form the central part of the new development.
A number of other retail businesses have expressed an interest in the three remaining shop spaces, though the marina is keen to hear from any other business owners who might wish to consider leasing one or more of the waterside units.
Four office units on the first floor of The Boardwalk are also available to rent.
Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina, said: “Now that the structure is starting to take shape, you can get a much better idea of scale and setting. I’d welcome any business owners on site to see for themselves just what an unusual yet beautiful location this would be to trade from.
“With the public opening only eight or nine months away, these are extremely exciting times for Mercia Marina. We can’t wait to share this excitement with the new businesses that are taking advantage of this fabulous new retail, office and leisure development.”
Mercia Marina lies just two minutes’ drive from the A38/A50 road junction, and 15 minutes from Derby city centre and Burton-Upon-Trent, making it an ideal location for businesses and visitors.
The marina announced in December that independent pub company Hillary & Scott Limited had signed an agreement to open a high-quality restaurant and bar at The Boardwalk. This will include seating for around 150 people over two floors, including outside seating overlooking the marina’s 24-acre lake plus a large bar area for drinkers.
Mercia, Europe’s largest inland marina, has already attracted The Butcher, The Baker, The Ice Cream Maker to operate a farm shop, and clothing retailer Bluewater has taken two shop units to sell womenswear and accessories.
The available ground floor retail units on the 74-acre marina site range from 581 sq ft to 936 sq ft, while the upper-floor offices range from 882 sq ft -1,926 sq ft, with the potential to combine two or more units.
The new development has been designed to complement the marina environment and landscape, with the use of locally sourced stone, timber cladding and large amount of glazing. It will include free car parking and an outdoor area for regular events and attractions.
The Boardwalk represents the first phase of a larger development, which could include more shops and eating and drinking establishments.
