Harbour plans could transform Littlehampton’s future

Robert Boyce, director of Osborne of Arun Group, has this week revealed the latest plan to improve the town’s harbour, which could see a new 280-metre stretch of pontoons being installed along the east bank of the River Arun, just north of the A259 bridge.

The overhaul could also see a new marina being constructed on the west bank of the Arun, complete with parking, hard standing and new boating berths.

Both plans have been approved by the Littlehampton Harbour Board, however, the second scheme on the west bank was only given a conditional approval, while a debate over who owns the land in question is ironed out.

The combined infrastructure investment being proposed as part of Mr Boyce’s two river enhancements could stretch up to approximately £750,000.

Mr Boyce said he was passionate to ensure the future of the town’s riverfront and all those who use it, saying: “We could transform the future of Littlehampton. It’s a new lease of life.”

The North Littlehampton Moorings, which themselves would cost about £200,000, would be installed in two phases.

The first would see about 280m of pontoons being fitted, with the second phase involving the drilling of piles into the riverbed to secure the development.

Safety lighting would be fixed to the new moorings.

Mr Boyce said that ‘at the heart of the development’ was the need for reasonably priced, riverside, deep water and always afloat moorings.

He added: “Our aim is to encourage those from near and far to come to Littlehampton and enjoy the river, the town and the links with the Solent as well as upstream to Arundel and beyond.”

The new moorings would have an access off the A259 roundabout at Broad Piece.

Mr Boyce, who owns the Littlehampton Ferry, intends to provide a dedicated ferry service and water taxi pontoon which would become a ‘fantastic new gateway’ into the town, ‘from a perspective never before conceived’, offering routes to restaurants in Pier Road, the west bank and the marina.

He hoped this would boost the local economy and generate added revenue for the Littlehampton Harbour Board.