Osprey Quay was taken over by the South West Regional Development Agency in 1999, following the closure of the Royal Naval Air Station at RNAS Portland. Following approval of a master plan in 2001, the South West RDA set about providing the infrastructure in terms of roads, flood defences and the sea front promenade; enabling the 33 hectare site to be regenerated.

Some of the highlights so far have been the creating of Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy, which opened in 2005 to promote sailing and encourage community use. This achievement was recognised by the announcement that the sailing events for the 2012 Games would be staged at the academy.

Exciting schemes in the pipeline include the largest new marina on the South Coast. The 600 berth marina will be protected by a new stone breakwater, with associated club, restaurant and retail facilities to be constructed by leading marina developer Dean & Reddyhoff. This will create a range of new business opportunities and up to 50 jobs.

For more information on this exciting development contact Tim Clarke on 02392 601201 or visit www.portlandmarina.co.uk

To the west, the seawall is to be extended outward and land reclaimed with new berths provided for yacht moorings as part of the enhancement of the sailing academy.

The overall investment planned is expected to exceed £80 million for the development as a whole. A wide range of business opportunities will be created for local companies through providing new sites and premises, increasing the profile of Portland and using the 2012 Games to showcase the area’s advantages as a superb centre for sailing and marine sector industries.