CONSTRUCTION work has begun on a £2.5m marina on the Shropshire Union Canal at Tattenhall.

The marina, on the Bolesworth Estate, will have space for up to 300 canal boats and is expected to open in spring 2009. It is being developed by GJP Marinas, specialists in the construction and management of canal boat facilities.

Diana Barbour, managing director of the Bolesworth Estate, said: “We are delighted the marina project is under way after almost 12 years’ planning.

“We are especially pleased that the team at GJP Marinas have chosen Tattenhall for their next prestigious development and are sure that the end result will be something that we can all take pride in.”

The central location of the marina will enable boats moored there to access either the main canal network at Nantwich and travel at a leisurely pace through the stunning countryside of Cheshire and Shropshire, or visit Chester and Ellesmere Port.

The site will be accessed via the popular Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall, which is also in line for improvement over the winter.

Bolesworth land agent Matthew Morris said: “The development of this part of the estate will be a real boost to the local economy. A number of jobs will be created at the marina itself and visitors will be able to use local retailers and services such as the nearby farm shops.

“Wherever possible, local contractors are being used during the construction process. All the excavated material remains on site, so disruption should be kept to a minimum during the construction phase.

“As well as economic benefits, the marina will be a showpiece for environmentally sensitive development and offer a wealth of habitat for wildlife in ponds, hedges and woodland.”

An open day is being held at the marina on November 30 to allow visitors to find out more about it.