The revamped Norwich Yacht Station is open for business and boating visitors have given it the thumbs up.
Since it re-opened five weeks ago the smart new station providing a waterborne gateway right into the heart of Norwich has been attracting on average 25 boats a night.
And there has been no sign of the trouble from passersby which Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association had warned boating visitors about while the station's facilities were closed.
Broads Authority navigation quay ranger Alan Barber allayed any security fears visitors might have had about mooring in the city centre.
"Since the yacht station has reopened there has been very little trouble indeed. It's made a big difference having the quay manned 12 hours a day and the community wardens keep an eye on it at night. It's a lovely spot and the perfect place for exploring Norwich. It's only 10 minutes walk from the city centre and five minutes from the cathedral."
Norwich City Council has spent £315,000 rebuilding the yacht station, which was closed for a season until July 30th this year.
It now has four new showers, two specially adapted for people with disabilities, three toilets, a pump out facility for boats, waste disposal for portable toilets, refuse disposal, an electric charging point and four water hoses.
The Council plans to spend a further £160,000 tightening up on security this winter with walls, fences and a locked gate between the station and Riverside Road. A further ramp for people in wheelchairs is to be built from the road and the area is to be landscaped.
Funding was provided by Water City International 11, through the European Regional Development Fund, and East Norwich SRB through the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Two Broads Authority quay attendants man the station 12 hours a day from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week from April 1st to October 31st, providing help with mooring up and advice on places to visit in the city and the Broads. A wide range of literature is on display.
The tree-lined yacht station, which offers 350 metres of moorings between Foundry Bridge and Bishop's Bridge opposite imposing Norwich Cathedral and picturesque Pull's Ferry, costs £5 during the day and £10 overnight. The use of all facilities are included in the cost.
Boating visitors lazing at their idyllic moorings in the shadow of the cathedral gave the yacht station the thumbs up.
Ben and Ann Youngman from Lowestoft have been coming to Norwich in their Aquafibre 32 motor cruiser for 15 years, but stayed away recently because of warnings about vandalism.
"When the yacht station re-opened we thought we would try it and have been very impressed with the new facilities. We haven't found any problem at all. It is a beautiful spot."
Stephen and Audrey Morns from Bearsted, Kent, who have been coming to the Broads for 32 years, were celebrating Stephen's 60th birthday with their five children and 16 grandchildren on a total of five boats. It was their second Broads holiday this year and their first visit to Norwich.
"Norwich is a lovely city and the services at the yacht station are very good," they said. "The Broads offer a tremendous all round holiday. Even if you don't get good weather you don't get wet in a motor cruiser and the facilities inside the boats have improved. If you use your imagination there are still places you can visit in the rain and Norwich offers plenty to do."
Meanwhile Karen and Kevin Bower from Northamptonshire, had moored their hire cruiser at the yacht station to set off with their four sons to buy six Norwich City kits - and got a free tour of the stadium thrown in.
"It was a great way to visit Norwich City - by boat," they said.
Councillor Judith Lubbock, lead member of the Norwich Joint River Issues Group said: "It is great to hear these positive comments from those using the new Yacht Station. The City Council's investment is beginning to reap rewards for our visitors. With still more work to be done to enhance the facilities further I look forward to hearing what next year's visitors will have to say about mooring in the heart of Norwich."
Reproduced by kind permission of
Broads Authority.
