« Back to News

Waterfront Project Attracts Firm Interest

THE WATERFRONT project in Stranraer has attracted interest from more than 40 leisure companies.

Local authority regeneration manager Tony Fitzpatrick revealed at January's Wigtown Area Committee that the firms were expressing interest in the marina - without any marketing campaign.

And Mr Fitzpatrick confirmed the local authority was still in discussions with Stena about forming a joint-venture company.

MP Russell Brown, also at the commitee meeting, said he knew of business interest in the project.He was aware of at least two companies looking to come to the area.

Scottish Enterprise estimates 200 local jobs could be created by a successful waterfront development with £4 million spent locally by tourists each year.

It is anticipated the development would take ten years to complete.

Work has already begun on a 250-berth marina - aimed at attracting private invesment - with dredgers deepening the harbour to allow large yachts to berth. The pontoons will be built off the inner harbour and West Pier.

But councillors at the meeting warned that Stranraer's deteriorating West Pier might have to be closed to the public. This came after they were told basic repairs to the crumbling pier could cost nearly £500,000 - plus further maintenance bill over and above that.