LOWESTOFT Haven Marina, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), has completed its latest round of expansion with the development of a satellite site at the town's Hamilton Dock.

LOWESTOFT Haven Marina, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), has completed its latest round of expansion with the development of a satellite site at the town's Hamilton Dock.

An investment of £500,000 has added 46 new berths, both for permanent moorings and for visitors.

Sarah Hanna, ABP Marina Manager for Lowestoft Haven Marina said: “It was recognised that we needed to expand to cater for increased customer demand, and the space available in Hamilton Dock made it an obvious choice.

“Its location - minutes from the open water and walking distance from the shopping centre - is ideal, particularly for visitors. The new berths are equipped with laundry, shower and washing facilities, but customers also have access to the services provided at our main site such as engineering support and onshore storage if required.”

The extension to the award-winning marina comes in time to play host to some of the summer's most exciting sporting events, including the 2008 Round Britain Powerboat Race.

Some of the world's fastest powerboats will be arriving in Lowestoft on Sunday, June 29, at the end of the penultimate leg of their race around the country. It is only the third time that such an event has been held for powerboat racers, and it promises to be quite a spectacle for competitors and onlookers alike.

The town is also the venue for the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Race - returning for its second year at Lowestoft.

Following on from the air show, the powerboats will offer a weekend of racing on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27.

Two classes of boats will battle it out, with the Lings Honda team hoping to defend their title against the Haven Marina based boat Red Devil, racing on her home waters.

The increase in capacity at the marina follows a similar expansion that took place at Ipswich Haven Marina earlier in the year.

Alastair MacFarlane, ABP Port Manager, East Anglian Ports said: “The success of our marinas in East Anglia shows what can be achieved alongside our traditional port activities. The development of these facilities for the area's growing leisure market is also playing a significant role in attracting visitors to our region.”