A new marina at the heart of a waterfront redevelopment has finally opened with the first boats taking up their berths.

Some 50 vessels have already docked in the Dover Marina which will eventually become home to more than 160 yachts and small leisure craft.

The area, which opened on April 1, is the latest chapter in the Dover Western Docks Revival, a £250 million long-term and continuing redevelopment of the area by the Port of Dover.

It has faced several delays and snags during construction amid issues with the pontoons and an extra wave wall being built to prevent damage to boats.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the authority, said: “The port is transforming, and the marina opening is the perfect showcase of our new modern look and identity.

“My thanks go to the marina and Dover Western Docks Revival teams for working so hard to provide this world leading facility for our berth holders.

“It’s also a fantastic new attraction for Dover and being perfectly situated next to our cruise terminal, brings communities together from across the nation and globally.

“We face a bright future, and I am confident that the waterfront will soon become one of the best destinations for exploring the south east coast.”

Marina manager Chris Windsor said: “The official opening marks a milestone for the marina and port.

“I’m delighted that our berth holders have started to settle in their new, permanent base, and can make the most of the brilliant opportunities now available to them.

“We take pride in being a seamless and sustainable port and I have no doubt that the marina and my team, will continue to provide berth holders with an exceptional experience and service.”

Facilities for berth holders include a dedicated fueling station on its own berth, a hard standing and level boatyard with large capacity and a new marina office.

The Dover Marina showcase will take place on May 20, with tours, displays and demonstrations, plus boat sales, live music and street food.

A new year-round programme of events surrounding the Marina Curve has recently been announced including for the King’s Coronation weekend of May 6 to 8.

Dover Regatta will also be held there on July 1.

The facility has faced more than four years of delays – the pontoons had remained deserted after fears vessels could be damaged if they used them.

In January 2022, the port authority had to apply to build a second wave barrier after it emerged the floating platforms became too unstable when the seas were rough.

Boats were temporarily allowed to dock in the marina last May for a trial period, while dredging was carried out at the nearby Wellington Dock.

The Dover Western Docks Revival is a long-term and continuing transformation and re-use of the site as the last cross-Channel trasportation from there, hovercrafts and catamarans, is long gone.

It has included the opening of the Marina Pier and Cargo Terminal West in 2019.

Planning permission has also been given for a 90-room motel, granted by Dover District Council along the quayside.