As part of the wider £22 million Plymouth Sound Marine Park transformation program, we designed and installed a new heavy-duty pontoon at Mount Batten Watersports Centre, improving access to the water and support the long-term future of this important waterfront facility.
| Client | Plymouth City Council |
| Date | June 2026 |
| Where | 70 Lawrence Road, Mount Batten, Plymouth, PL9 9SJ |
Replacing the ageing pontoon infrastructure, the new installation provides a durable, reliable and accessible facility for a wide range of waterfront users. Crucially, it also helps secure the future of the Mount Batten Ferry, which connects the Mount Batten peninsula with Plymouth’s historic Barbican, providing an important transport link for residents and visitors alike.
Project overview
The objective was to deliver a durable, reliable pontoon that would improve safety and accessibility while supporting the centre’s wider role in watersports, recreation and marine education.
Mount Batten is an important gateway to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, encouraging people to explore the marine environment and take part in activities on the water. The upgraded infrastructure supports this ambition by providing improved access for the public, watersports clubs and visitors.
The project also included new commercial berths, designed to generate ongoing income that can contribute towards the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, helping ensure their long-term sustainability.
Challenges
Working in front of the Mount Batten Watersports & Activities Centre presented logistical challenges due to the restricted space available for construction and installation.
To overcome these constraints, the pontoons were unloaded at Turnchapel Wharf before being towed approximately 700 metres across the water to the Mount Batten site.
This approach allowed the team to manage the delivery and positioning of the new structure while working within the limitations of the busy waterfront location.
Benefits of the new potoon at Mount Batten Watersports Centre
The Mount Batten pontoon renewal demonstrates how investment in high-quality marine infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for local communities, visitors and waterfront businesses.
By improving safety, accessibility and operational reliability, the project not only safeguards an important ferry connection but also supports Plymouth’s wider ambition to make its remarkable marine environment more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
