By Goya Dmytryshchak
An application to build a marina with dry stack boat storage and a launching facility in Williamstown is before the planning minister.
Plans for the site known as Knights Slipway at 266-268 Nelson Place include a 75-metre pontoon and storage for 208 boats and other marine vessels.
The Crown land is currently a boat sales and storage business.
A report submitted to the minister states the applicant is Williamstown Marine Centre Pty Ltd with Paul Little and Scott O’Hare as directors.
“Mr O’Hare and the family have been involved in the marine industry and this Williamstown area for over 30 years and retain the lease on The Anchorage site,” it stated.
“Dry stack boat storage is an increasingly popular method of storing boats, in particular in cities like Melbourne where there is a lack of supply of wet marina berths.
“The managers of this site recognise the demand for dry stack storage on the shores of Port Phillip Bay and in close proximity to the city has increased.”
The report stated the proposed development, with storage for 208 boats, would reduce the parking of boat trailers on local streets and congestion at local boat ramps.
Boat launching and retrieving would operate 24 hours, seven days a week.
“The site plan responds to the modern lifestyle of the residents of Williamstown and surrounding areas with the provision of a recreational boating facility with dry stack boat storage, marina and slipping facilities as the level of boat ownership grows and storage capacity in residences and local street areas becomes tighter,” the report stated.
