Qatar could invest £60m in new Southend marina

The marina, touted for Barge Pier in Shoebury, could see “huge yachts” from around the world dock at the marina if the project gets off the ground.

An initial £60million investment would help get the project started, but the project could cost up to £500 million in total.

John Lamb, Southend Mayor, added that if the project materialised, hundreds of homes would be also need to be built nearby.

Plans for the marina were reignited in September, but fell by the wayside with no developer coming forward, according to Mr Lamb.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, held talks this week with Qatar ambassadors in a bid to drum up interest for the marina.

Southend Mayor John Lamb, said: “Qatar is the ideal candidate to invest in the marina.

“The marina will drive huge investment in the town, it will act as a mini-port.

“To do it, you would need to knock down part of the sea wall, which is why it would cost so much to do.

“I’m fully behind the idea, and would happily negotiate with the Qatari’s if I was needed.”

A “fishing boat only” zone would also be a crucial part of the marina.

Sir David Amess MP held talks with Yousef Ali Al Khater, the Qatari ambassador for the UK Government this weeks.

He explained how he hopes further talks can progress between Qatari officials and Southend Council.

The MP also hopes Qatar can invest in the town, including the iconic pleasure pier.

He said: “Marinas do seem to be of enormous attraction, not only to visitors but much more importantly, residents.

“It is not just the opportunity to moor one’s boat if you own one, but also the activities which invariably surround a marina - shops, artistic displays, concerts, water sports and the like.

“Whenever a marina is proposed there will be residents who will be enthusiastic about it and residents who will not.

“Any proposal would of course be subject to full and proper consultation and likewise scrutiny by the council.”

Yousef Ali Al Khater first visited Southend in 2019.