The Crown Estate and the Lymington Harbour Commissioners have completed a new lease for the tidal stretch of the Lymington River in Hampshire. The lease, which will last for twenty five years, will facilitate the ongoing management of some 1,600 river moorings, walk-ashore pontoon moorings and enable the Harbour Commissioners to further invest in protection works to secure the long term future of the harbour.
The Lymington Harbour Commissioners were awarded The Crown Estate Coastal Business Award 2013, in recognition of the organisation’s work to regenerate the significant intertidal saltmarsh habitats in the area, as part of its long-term plans to safeguard the harbour’s future. The award also reflected the Commissioners’ extensive engagement with the local community in developing its plans. The Crown Estate provided around £100,000 from its Marine Stewardship Fund towards the Commissioners’ saltmarsh replenishment scheme.
Neil Jacobson, Rural and Coastal Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “The Crown Estate and The Harbour Commissioners have enjoyed a close working relationship over the last 60 years. We are happy to grant this renewed long-term lease that will enable the Commissioners to secure the investment needed to enhance the harbour’s protection through the expansion of its breakwaters. We look forward to the continued good management of the harbour facilities that provide an essential service to boating enthusiasts as well as an important economic driver for Lymington.”
Ryan Willegers, Harbour Master and Chief Executive at the Lymington Harbour Commissioners said: “We are delighted to have secured a new long term lease with The Crown Estate that will enable the Commissioners to secure the long term protection and management of the harbour. The Commissioners are grateful to The Crown Estate for recognising the particular challenges the harbour is facing and look forward to continuing our close working relationship”
