Harbor Island West Marina in San Diego Bay, California, has officially started construction on a $70 million USD redevelopment project with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by representatives from Beauchamp Leslie Development & Management, the Port of San Diego and project partners.

Representatives from Harbor Island West Marina and the Port of San Diego break ground on the marina’s redevelopment project. Pink Media Productions

Covering 3.8 acres of land and 22 acres of water, the project is located near the San Diego International Airport, the Embarcadero and downtown’s Gaslamp District. It also sits within reach of Liberty Station, which offers public park spaces, dining options and retail areas, and Point Loma, known for marine-related services and a waterfront community.

Beauchamp Leslie Development & Management has operated the site since 1981 under a lease from the Port of San Diego. Under a new 50-year lease agreement, the company is leading the development to update facilities at one of San Diego Bay’s long-standing waterfront locations.

Eric Leslie, CEO of Beauchamp Leslie Development & Management, said: “This is an exciting step forward in San Diego Bay’s continued transformation. Alongside our community partners, we’re focused on creating an anchor waterfront destination that will allow boaters and the public to experience the bay with improved access and more comfortable, modern amenities.”

Bellingham Marine is leading Harbor Island West Marina’s waterside infrastructure improvements. Pink Media Productions

Once completed, the marina will provide 623 new slips for vessels between 20 and 140ft (six and 43 metres). New facilities for boaters will include a lounge, fitness centre, pool and spa, along with around 16,000sqft (1,486sqm) of commercial space. A public waterfront promenade and viewing deck will be accessible to the public.

Bellingham Marine is handling waterside works, including new docks and utility upgrades. Pacific Building Group is responsible for landside construction, which includes boater facilities, commercial space and public access areas. AO, an architecture and planning firm based in Orange, California, is leading the design work.

Rendering of the marina project. Harbor Island West Marina

Ann Moore, chair of the board of port commissioners, said: “Today’s groundbreaking represents an investment in the future of San Diego Bay and our shared waterfront. The Harbor Island West Marina revitalisation modernises important infrastructure while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the bay through expanded public access and waterfront experiences. Projects like this help ensure our waterfront remains welcoming and accessible for generations to come.”

Vice chair Michael Zucchet, a San Diego appointee to the board of port commissioners, said: “Harbor Island has long been an iconic part of San Diego’s waterfront, and this revitalisation helps ensure it continues serving boaters, visitors and our community for generations to come. Projects like Harbor Island West Marina demonstrate that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand by modernising waterfront infrastructure in a way that supports sustainability, recreation and the long-term health of San Diego Bay.”