Blue flag status for Swansea marina

Swansea’s Marina has been awarded blue flag status, highlighting its quality facilities for visitors and boat users around the world.

The 550-berth marina, which is managed by Swansea Council, is one of 4,000 beaches and marinas around Europe that have recently been awarded the special status for 2015.

The prestigious status ensures visitors and boat owners at the city centre marina can be reassured about the quality of facilities on offer, including water quality, safety features and the day to day running of the site.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation said: “We’re really proud of the marina. It’s both a well-functioning site for boat users coming to the city and a very popular tourist destination for visitors throughout the world.”

The Council is continuing to invest in the site and in recent years has replaced both sets of lock gates to prolong their life span.

Latest plans by the council include the introduction of modern art sculptures in and around the marina as part of the Boulevard project. One of the sculptures will rise four and a half metres above water level in the marina’s north-western corner.

Cllr Thomas added: “We’re continually investing in the facility to maintain the working elements of the site such as the lock gates which have all been replaced in the last five years.

“We are also looking to improve the visual element of the marina and keep it interesting for visitors to Swansea as well as boat users.”

Swansea Marina has been rated 4 out of 5 on trip advisor and receives plenty of really positive comments.

At present, there is a waiting list in place for boat owners who are keen to moor large boats (over 40ft) at the facility.

And even the working boatyard is kept busy. Last year it serviced more than 700 boats.