South Dock Marina in London is preparing for a structural upgrade valued at £8 million, aimed at enhancing health, safety and operational improvements across the facility. The Southwark Council-led redevelopment has secured planning permission, pending additional consultation with local businesses on relocation plans and workspace provisions.
Situated along the south bank of the River Thames, South Dock Marina accommodates over 200 berths and contributes to the borough's economic activity. Over recent years, improvements have been made to the marina, which lays the groundwork for the upgrade. A public consultation on the design was held in 2023, which has led to a revised proposal that aligns with community feedback.
The upgrade will focus on modernising the boatyard layout to improve workflow and address long-standing health and safety issues. Existing structures, including privately owned containers and non-compliant buildings, will be replaced with purpose-built workshops and boat sheds. The new units will meet current building regulations on fire safety, thermal performance and energy efficiency. Existing tenants will be prioritised in the new leasing process.
Key safety improvements include upgraded electrical systems, the replacement and relocation of the facilities block, improved workshop access and clearly segregated zones for pedestrian and vehicle movement. Surface improvements, drainage upgrades and subsidence mitigation measures are also part of the scope. Additionally, the marina’s 40-year-old crane will be replaced and relocated slightly south, requiring new foundational works.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, noted that the improvements will strengthen the marina’s role in the local community while enhancing safety for users.
“We are pleased to now be able to address urgent health and safety concerns at our unique marina. The investment also reaffirms the boatyard as a premier destination for the boating community, attracting more visitors and strengthening the local community. While this project will cause some disruption, we are dedicated to supporting berth holders through this transition period and hope to see their continued place within the borough,” Mwangangye stated.
The Council will oversee tenancy agreements to ensure that all operations meet health and safety requirements. Under the new proposals, current businesses will be offered units at discounted rent, with phased transitions to market rates. Maritime-focused enterprises will benefit from long-term rent discounts to reinforce the marina’s status as a maritime centre of excellence.
With planning approval in place, preliminary on-site work is scheduled to begin in late 2025. The first stage of construction will involve laying new underground services, which is set to complete early next year. Above-ground construction, including the new workshops and boat sheds, will follow thereafter.
