UK marina for sale for the first time

A UK marina has been put up for sale for the first time since it was constructed in 1966.

Farndon Marina in the East Midlands is located on the River Trent near Newark in Nottinghamshire and has been owned by the same family since it was first developed.

The 25-acre site incorporates 300 private berths and moorings, a chandlery, boat sales brokerage and marine services.

The marina was first developed by local businessman and boating enthusiast Mark Ainsworth. The business is now owned by Mark’s son Paul and his wife Janet who are looking to retire.

“Since my father passed away over 16 years ago, Janet and I have continued as custodians of this incredible business,” said Farndon Marina MD Paul Ainsworth.

“We have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience, and have a fantastic team, who are and will continue to be great assets to the marina.

“We too are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners.”

He added: “I’ve been contacted many times over the years asking if we would sell, and so this tremendous opportunity now becomes a reality.”

Jon Patrick, head of leisure and development at Christie & Co who is overseeing the sale process, said it is anticipated that interest in the marina will come from a diverse range of potentially interested parties.

“We’ve witnessed a marked uptick in the demand for both inland and coastal marina and boating businesses over the last two years,” he said.

“This has come from existing UK and European operators, as well as boating and marine enthusiasts and investors.

“However, we’ve also seen greater activity in the sector from owners of holiday parks and associated leisure hospitality businesses which share a number of similarities with marinas in terms of the underlying business model.

“In addition, this is a marina that has never been offered for sale on the open market before, and that in itself is a unique opportunity.”