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A consultancy team of White Young Green and Royal Haskoning, project managed by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), has been commissioned by the ODA to work on design and environmental studies, prior to submitting a planning application in Spring 2007.

 

The ODA is building a longer, dual-aspect slipway and more race-boat parking, lifting and mooring facilities at the Academy, which is already rated as one of the best small-boat sailing locations in Europe. The works will be located on the shorefront of the WPNSA, part of the Osprey Quay regeneration scheme.

 

“Improvements at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy are a key project for the Olympic Delivery Authority outside of the delivery of the Olympic Park in East London and will help spread Olympic benefits around the UK,” said David Higgins, the ODA’s chief executive.  

 

“The ODA is pleased to be enhancing the already high-quality venue at Weymouth and Portland. It will provide an important sporting and regional legacy after the Games. ’

 

Chairman of the Organising Committee for the London 2012 Games, Sebastian Coe, said the enhancement plans will enable the skills and excitement of sailing to be showcased in a spectacular sports setting for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

 

“The design enhancements, along with the proposed course layout and consistent wind conditions set in the Bay of Weymouth will create a stunning amphitheatre for Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams and spectators in 2012,” Coe said.

 

“The enhancements will transform Weymouth from 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 Games.

 

“The enhancements will also make this superb sailing site accessible to athletes and sailing teams from a wide range of backgrounds, including junior and disabled sailors, providing a marvellous sailing experience that will help to grow the sport.”

 

Bill Ludlow, Chairman of the Sailing Academy, said: “We very much welcome the progress being made on the project to enhance the facilities at the Academy. In addition to meeting the needs of the Games these works will help us in our work to enable more people to learn and participate in the sport. They will be a permanent legacy for young people, the region and the sport of sailing in the UK.”

 

Guy Lavender, South East England Director for the 2012 Games, said: “The Osprey Quay development is making excellent progress, thanks to the work of all partner agencies involved. But now, with these plans on the table, we can really start to move forward to develop a world-class sailing facility in Weymouth and Portland that future generations will be proud of. My team’s role will be to make sure the region benefits from this unique opportunity – not just in 2012, but beyond.”

 

The SWRDA is also progressing its plans to create a new marina at Osprey Quay alongside the Sailing Academy and has now selected the firm Dean and Reddyhoff as preferred bidder to progress detailed negotiations to provide additional facilities for the Olympics. Dean and Reddyhoff have a long track record of developing and running successful marinas at Haslar in Portsmouth Harbour, East Cowes on the Isle of Wight and Weymouth harbour.