WORK on an �830,000 marina for Sutton Bridge with 80 commercial and leisure moorings to be run by Fenland District Council, the Nene Ports Harbour Authority, will start in July.

Fenland Council has been an enthusiastic supporter of the project and has played a key part in the design.

So successful has been the project that half of the berths have already been reserved for the mooring before they are open, says David Pullen of the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership.

Lincolnshire County Council believes the project will boost the local economy by up to �200,000 a year and not only help to create new jobs but will safeguard existing jobs.

Funding has included �400,000 from the section 106 money which South Holland District Council administers as community benefits from the Sutton Bridge power station complex.

Justin Brown, head of enterprise at Lincs Council, believes the marina will be “kick start further investment and regeneration” and a new marina office for the harbourmaster is also planned. This will connect directly to the mooring pontoons.

Among those likely to use the commercial moorings will be existing operators at Sutton Bridge such as Eastern Sea Fisheries and those vessels that support the off shore wind turbines.

The marina is to be built north of the A17 swing bridge over the River Nene at Sutton Bridge and there will be exhibition moorings for boats such as tall ships, a promenade, a new access and additional parking.

Tony Rowe, chairman of the Nene Marine Community Interest Group, said the marina should boost visitor numbers among the 18,000 or so vehicles who pass along the A17 each day.

The proposed Sutton Bridge marina was launched six years ago on February 10 when 400 people turned up for an open day at the Bridge Hotel.