Ahoy there! Marina will draw tourists

Canal mates . . . Phil Wiggett, at the tiller of Pennine Moonraker, with John Lund

Pleasure craft and permanent sites for narrowboats will bring more tourists and leisure activities to Greenfield.

Frenches Wharf marina will open for business next month and John Lund, the newly-appointed manager, said enthusiastically: “The area has come out of intensive care, is now in recovery and new life will be breathed into it once we start operating.”

Skipper Lund, who owns the 70ft narrow boat, Pennine Moonraker, is expecting the first boats to be berthed by the end of May.

“The marina itself will be able to accommodate up to 18 craft, depending on their size,” he explained. “We have already had approaches from enthusiasts who want berths for pleasure craft and others seeking permanent moorings.”

The marina is one element of the Knoll Mill regenerative mixed use scheme which, when complete, will house a new Tesco, 99 new homes and industrial, commercial space.

The overall investment in Knoll will exceed £25 million and create more than 200 new jobs.

Knoll Mill is a joint venture project between Wiggett Construction Group and Paul Speak Properties.

The marina, which sits behind the recently-opened Kingfisher pub-restaurant on Chew Valley Road, was completed in summer last year. Now a safe pedestrian access has been created it can open for business.

Wiggetts has teamed up with Mr Lund, an experienced boat man, who takes up his role on site in a few weeks time.

Phil Wiggett said: “The marina is expected to be a popular tourist destination in itself. And, together with the Kingfisher, it will add interest and vibrancy to what was a once semi derelict area.

“For boaters and tourists alike, it is hoped that they will be high on the list of places to visit in Saddleworth.”

Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, who attended the marina’s opening last year, said: “The marina will bring tourists and great opportunities to add significant regeneration to the canal corridor.

“Homes and businesses operating near water increase the land values by a fifth.

“The British have a love for working and spending their leisure time close to water.

“I believe this will be a lovely place to work and live and encourage a wide range of pastimes from walking, fishing, boating and other water-based activities.”

Prospective boat owners wishing to moor at the marina, should contact John Lund on 07711 180496.