Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has released an update on plans for Cowes Harbour Marina on the Isle of Wight, England, where dredging works are nearing completion and consultation, environmental assessments and design work continue.
The proposed marina would provide 145 walk-ashore berths, with a minimum length of seven metres, for leisure boats, racing yachts and superyachts. Around half of the berths would be allocated to annual berth holders, with the remainder available to visiting vessels.
Additional elements include marina facilities such as waste handling points and two pump-out stations. The guard house is also planned for reuse to provide toilet and shower facilities for marina users.
In its latest update, the commission said dredging works that began in October 2025 following approval from the Marine Management Organisation are now close to completion.
CHC also confirmed that consultation and engagement have continued throughout the development process, involving Isle of Wight Council, East Cowes Town Council, harbour users, planning teams, local stakeholders and environmental bodies. Feedback from these discussions has led to design changes, particularly to the access walkway.
Environmental assessments related to piling and pontoon placement, along with studies on water movement and wave behaviour, have resulted in six-metre-wide wave attenuation pontoons at the northern end of the marina to reduce wave impact and improve conditions within the berths.
CHC said the project responds to demand for more mooring space in Cowes Harbour, especially for larger vessels needing walk-ashore access. An independent report by Co-Create estimates that the marina will generate around £23 million (about $30 million USD) in economic activity over 20 years, linked to marine services, local restaurants, retail and accommodation providers.
