The Olympic and Paralympic sailing events in 2012 will be hosted at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) which opened in 2000, with new facilities also built in 2004 by Dean & Dyball, a Hampshire based firm with offices across Southern England, the Midlands and Wales.

 

The existing sailing facilities will be enhanced for use in 2012 with the construction of a new permanent 150 metre slipway; a new race-boat parking area; new race-boat lifting facilities; and new race-boat moorings to be sheltered by a wave protection structure.

 

Dean & Dyball emerged from a 5five-strong shortlist of construction firms which also included Birse, Carillion, Edmund Nuttall and Raymond Brown.

 

Construction work is due to start on site in Spring and be completed by the end of the year meaning Weymouth and Portland will be one of the first venues ready for the 2012 Games, delivering an early legacy of world-class facilities for the local community.

 

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), have also now started work on a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay of which 250 berths will be used during the 2012 Games.

 

The marina will include retail and industrial development bringing enormous social and economic regeneration to the local area.

 

ODA chief executive, David Higgins , said: “The award of this contract is another key step towards ensuring Weymouth and Portland is one of the first venues ready for 2012 allowing elite athletes and the local community alike to benefit from world-class facilities before, during and long after the Games.

 

“Awarding this contract to a South Coast based company will be an added boost to the local economy and Dean & Dyball’s previous work on site makes them ideally placed to deliver these enhanced sailing facilities for 2012.

 

“London 2012 will be a nationwide Games and our plans for Weymouth and Portland are an excellent example of how the Games can act as a driver for wider regeneration, spreading sporting, social and economic benefits around the country.”

 

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012, said:  "This scheme will transform Weymouth and Portland from an existing top class venue into a world class training and competition venue equipped to stage major international sailing events and competitions before and after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

"The enhancements will also provide new opportunities and facilities to enable people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing.

 

"This will leave a legacy of elite and recreational sailing for future generations."

 

Andy Crawford, Director of Dean & Dyball’s Southern Region said:  “We are delighted to have the opportunity to return to the WPNSA to complete its transformation into a world class Olympic and Paralympic venue.

 

"We look forward to working with our designers, Hyder Consulting, to fulfil the ambitions of LOCOG, the ODA and future generations of sailors, with this prestigious and exciting project.”