The plans to regenerate Osprey Quay and the Weymouthand Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), which will host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events during the Games, were unveiled at an exhibition last month.

 

The three day event gave local people the chance to comment on the proposals and was attended by more than 300 people including key stakeholders and the local community.

 

Following the public consultation, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today submitted planning applications to build a new permanent slipway, more race-boat parking, and lifting and mooring facilities, all of which will deliver new and improved sailing facilities for use during the Games and in legacy.

 

Construction work is due to be completed by the end of 2008, meaning Weymouthand Portlandwill be one of the first venues ready for the 2012 Games.

 

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), also today submitted planning applications for a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay, of which 250 berths will be used during the Olympic Games and Paralympic 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: “Involving the local community has been a key part of developing our plans for Weymouthand Portland.

 

"The local support we have received to date has given us the momentum to go for gold and ensure Weymouthand Portland is one of the first venues ready for 2012.

 

"These planning applications are the important first-step towards delivering new world-class facilities that will benefit elite athletes and the local community before, during and long after the Games.”

 

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

 

Bruce Voss, head of operations at South West of England Regional Development, said: “These plans are a prime example of how we can deliver economic growth, within environmental limits. 

 

"The planning applications promote improved facilities for sailing and related water sports which have low environmental impact that can sit comfortably in the high quality natural environment surrounding Osprey Quay.

 

"Once consented, this multi million investment will bring significant economic benefits to South Dorsetand the wider region.” 

 

John Derbyshire, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) racing manager/performance director, said: "The further development of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy will cement the venue as the finest training and competition venue in Europe.

 

"The collaboration between WPNSA, RYA, the marina developers and the support of all the agencies involved will also ensure that sailing will be a key activity both for recreation and in employment for the local community.

 

"These plans will provide shoreside facilities that will be key to a successful Games in 2012 and will leave the facility with the capacity to attract major events both before and after the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games."