London’s largest working boatyard is set to undergo urgent health and safety improvements.
A planning application has been submitted for a £6million structural upgrade at South Dock Marina – led by marina operators Southwark Council.
Works planned include new wash facilities as well as a complete reorganisation of the boatyard and workshop spaces to create a more structured and safer workflow.
There are also plans for a new electrical substation that will be dedicated to increasing the capacity for boats moored in Greenland Dock, with the aim of resolving the current usage issues experienced by berth holders.
Health and safety issues listed by the council include unsuitable access to units, no clear route between vehicles and pedestrians at the entrance with the only escape route from the boatyard in case of emergency or fire being from the front entrance gates.
There are also areas prone to flooding and ground subsidence, a workshop that opens onto the main vehicular route that is a safety issue and a congested area close to the entrance which needs to be reorganised to provided better access.
Subject to planning permission, the marina will be reorganised to create a safer workflow with new business units, of various sizes, to replace unsuitable structures.
Boat storage will also be improved and the 40-year-old crane replaced. A Southwark council spokeswoman said: “The investment in our cherished marina not only addresses urgent health and safety concerns but will also reaffirm the boatyard as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, attracting more visitors and strengthening the local community.”
