UK: MDL marks 50 years with multi-million spend

Following its 50th anniversary in 2023, MDL Marinas is investing £7 million across its network of UK marinas in 2024. Around £1.3 million, for example, is being allocated for significant upgrades to Torquay Marina in Devon.

“It’s essential for us to continue to invest in our infrastructure – dredging, pontoons, quay walls and berth holder facilities – because the quality of customers’ experience is important to us,” says MDL managing director Michael Glanville. “For this financial year alone, we are investing £7 million across our network of marinas, with another £30 million planned over the next five years.”
The proposed investment in Torquay will see two of the marina’s largest pontoons upgraded, as well as the installation of a new visitors’ pontoon to support the marina as a popular holiday destination.
Work began in January and will include replacing the majority of the main walkway, as well as replacing sections and re-piling A Pontoon to widen the basins, replacing sections and fingers on the majority of B Pontoon, and re-piling for larger berths for boats up to 17.6m (57ft 8in).
Alongside the pontoon works, MDL is renovating the facilities block to include a full refresh and new boiler installation.
Other works undertaken in recent months include a brand-new recycling compound, introducing general waste and recycling bins in line with MDL’s green strategy, as well as laying a waterproof membrane and resurfacing works on the car park.
Situated in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay Marina is a destination in itself; offering modern facilities and extensive services, including boat brokerage, water sports hire, chandlery supplies and a new upmarket, yet casual, bar and restaurant that opened its doors in April 2023.