Work begins on $2.8m boat repair facilities

HUTT NEWS

As Mayor David Ogden and Seaview Marina director Arthur Stewart donned hard hats for a sod turning ceremony for the $2.8 million hub development, wind buffeted the plastic wrapped around the hull of a yacht in the background.

It was a good example of why the hub is needed, marina manager Alan McLellan told the Hutt News.

Boaties might have to spend $10,000 on a temporary cover so that they can do work on their yacht or launch out of the water.

"It's almost impossible to get a quality paint job in this sort of wind, and with all the dust flying around. We're just across the way from Winstone's [dredging and gravel operation]."

A boatie "might spend thousands of dollars just waiting for the weather to come right".

Mr McLellan is convinced the new 2,000 square metre hub will change all that by delivering a secure and modern environment for boat repairs and painting, with ancillary suppliers in the same building.

"Every modern marina in New Zealand and the rest of the world has these facilities on their doorstep."

Because they're lacking at Seaview, the marina  "which at the end of the day is a big boat parking facility"  misses out on business to Waikawa and Nelson. The local fishing fleet's six-month survey of boats is done down south, for example. From next July, it could be done here.

Seaview Marina already has 265 "on water" berths, with potential for about 130 more.

F pier is now complete and the pontoons for G pier are in place.

Mr McLellan is confident the hub, and a new 50-tonne travel lift due to be commissioned by January 11, will boost demand for berthing and hard-stand parking.

The hub consists of three large sheds (20m x 10m by the maximum 8m height), capable of housing anything up to a large launch. These will be hired out to users wanting to do repairs.

There will also be a range of workshop areas on permanent lease for trades, canvas makers, brokers, fishing charters and more. A cafe is already confirmed.

The 430sqm of space at the eastern end is for retailing, and Mr McLellan says final deals are being negotiated now.

Mr Ogden acknowledged controversy over the hub and the council's loan to fund it.

''But I believe in this place.''

He recalled a time when the council's finances were tight ''and we were selling anything that moved.  I'm glad we didn't sell this''.

Describing the marina as a jewel in the city's crown, Mr Ogden noted that the hub was already nearly 60 per cent leased. 

He said he felt like the ''happy hooker'', flanked as he was by former NZ representative yachtsman Arthur Stewart and former Canterbury winger Mr McLellan, and added, ''Let's get this finished and maybe get something else underway.''