It will be all change in the operation of Bangor Marina on Belfast Lough from September 2024. This has been outsourced to a private operator since 1 April 2008, with the latest agreement expiring on 30 September 2024. An opportunity now exists for an experienced operator to take on the management of Bangor Marina and Harbour for the next 50 and a half years.
Bangor Marina and Harbour is one of the largest Five Gold Anchor-accredited marina developments in Ireland.
The 541-berth marina is accessible 24/7 at all states of tide and is home to an active fleet of leisure and commercial vessels. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world annually and is a real focal point in North Down.
The Bangor Regeneration team has recently notified that the tender process for a marina operator from September next year has commenced, with adverts in the press having been issued.
The Bangor Marina Berth Holders Association has handily summarised the details surrounding the process, and members have been given the following information:-
- The contract period is to run for 50.5 years.
- Marina operator should incorporate the boatyard into its business plan, although existing boatyard /brokerage and chandlery are currently leased to Sept 2028.
- New operator to have a key role in devising and finalising plans for any redesign / investment in the marina.
- Potential operator investment and attraction of additional complementary funding forms part of the tender evaluation process.
- Potential bidders are expected to demonstrate they are suitably resourced and have recent experience of the management of three marinas of similar size.
- Stage 1 of the process takes the form of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. From the assessment of these returns it is intended that 5 potential bidders will be invited to tender in stage 2 of the process.
- Stage 1 to be completed by 11 December 2023, Stage 2 completion of submissions by 11 March 2024.
- Final selection by June 2024, new contract start date is October 2024.
- Marine Projects Ltd are managing the procurement process, selections to made by a panel including Council representatives.
The estimated value listed on this Tender document is £100,000,000.
Marina and Harbour Manager Kevin Baird said about the project; “It's exciting to think about what Bangor Marina, the seafront, and Ballyholme could look like in 10 years. I'm really hoping that sprucing up our waterfront is just the start of making our city even better”.
