Swansea Marina facts for kids
Swansea Marina is a special place where boats are kept safely. It's located in Swansea, a city in south Wales. You can find it right where the River Tawe meets the sea, behind a big wall called the Swansea barrage.
This marina is known for being very clean and well-managed. It even won a special award called "Blue Flag status" in June 2005. This award means it meets high standards for safety and environment. At the marina, there's a place to build and fix boats, and shops that sell everything boat owners need.
Many boating groups use Swansea Marina as their home base. One is the Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club. Another is called the Maiden Voyage. This group owns a very large 72-foot ocean racing yacht. They use this yacht to take teenagers on trips. These trips help young people learn important skills like teamwork and discipline.
History of Swansea Marina
For many years, the area around the Lower Swansea valley was a busy industrial place. But over time, the factories and industries closed down. This led to a lot of empty, unused land. The South Dock of the Swansea docks finally closed in 1969. This left the area looking like an industrial wasteland.
The land was then sold to the local council for a very small amount of money. At first, there were plans to build a new road. However, the government changed its plans in 1974. A new strategy was created by 1975. This plan focused on improving the area for people and the economy. It was all about bringing new life to the old industrial land.
Building the Marina
It took another five years to get the land ready. They had to buy the land, clear away old buildings, and set up new services like water and electricity. Big walls were built to protect the area from the sea. Workers also had to clean out the dock basin, which was full of old debris. New places for boats to tie up, called moorings, were installed.
They also put in new, more efficient lock gates. These gates help boats move between different water levels. A new swing bridge was added too. The areas around the docks were paved. This created a nice public walkway where people could stroll around the water.
Opening and Expansion
The yacht marina officially opened in 1982. It had space for 385 boats. A big change happened in 1992 when the Swansea barrage was finished. This barrage turned the River Tawe into a long, calm lake.
Because of the barrage, even more space for boats became available. New berths were built just outside the main marina area. These added space for 200 more boats. The barrage also has a special lock. This lock allows boats to travel easily between the River Tawe and the sea.
