£3m marina could make a real splash

AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million pound marina have been put forward to help transform a city community.

Members of the Burslem Port Project want to turn a currently redundant half-mile spur off the Trent and Mersey Canal, in Middleport, into a £3 million marina.

They predict the marina, which would be between the built-up area of Middleport and Rogerson's Meadow, will have room for about 200 boats, boost tourism and create jobs.

Now the group has submitted its ideas for inclusion in Renew North Staffordshire's masterplan for Middleport.

The regeneration body is picking a preferred option from three ideas before consulting with the public again in August.

Burslem Port project officer David Dumbelton said: "A marina will have the greatest commercial value to it and there could be a pub or pub/restaurant near it at the southern end of Newport Lane."

It is proposed to mostly pay for the marina through private funding, although some money could come from the Government or housing developers.

Other aspects include work on old wharf buildings, plans for housing and the reopening of the canal arm.

Mr Dumbelton said: "We would like to see the construction of a marina and think the canal and housing needs to be part of an integrated plan for it to have true benefits."

The group has also suggested calling the area of housing between Newport Lane and the canal, and Furlong Lane and the canal, the Burslem Port quarter.

Mr Dumbelton added: "This would define it as an area that needs certain planning consideration. The canal is part of the heritage of the area and was a principal factor in the rapid growth of Burslem.

"Including it in the regeneration plans would provide more facilities for canal users, helping to boost tourism to Middleport and Burslem."

Inland Waterways Association, the Trent and Mersey Canal Society and British Waterways have also made representations to Renew relating to Burslem Port.

Councillor Brian Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Renew sees the Burslem Port Arm as something of great heritage value, and we will be looking to see how we can support it in the future.

"We will liaise closely with all parties of interest to look to how we can support a project in that area."