Work started on £2million marina
Work has begun on a scheme to build a £2 million boating marina in the middle of Northampton.
Experts from the Environment Agency moved on to Becket's Park this week to remove a number of rotten and dangerous trees close to the park's former boating lake.
The Environment Agency's waterways engineers, Paul Arnold, said: "The removal of the trees is a necessary part of the marina development.
"Most of the trees being felled are in a poor condition or pose a risk to people and their removal is good tree management.
"New habitats, including trees and shrubs, will be created to enhance the wildlife value of the site during the landscaping phase of the project."
About 12 trees will be cut down to allow the former boating lake to be converted into the marina, but as part of the overall project, about 100 new shrubs and trees will be planted elsewhere on the site.
Once the new marina is completed, it will include areas for about 80 boats to moor as well as a new habitat for wildlife.
It is expected the marina will attract boaters travelling along the River Nene and Grand Union Canal towards the Fens in East Anglia.
Mr Arnold said: "The marina project is an exciting scheme which will regenerate this area of Northampton.
"It will significantly increase the numbers of boats travelling to and staying in Northampton and will encourage people to see the waterfront as an attractive and appealing destination."
It is hoped work on the marina could be completed by March 2011.
Further work to improve the park is then planned, including the creation of riverside cafes and restaurants, a new bridge, a coffee shop, a spa and fitness suite and one or more water taxis.
Becket's Park would also be improved by the creation of a boat and cycle hire business and a tourism centre, but the later phases of work are not expected to be completed until 2013 or 2014.
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Weather for Northampton
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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