Changing Face

The face of Ocean Village marina in Southampton is still changing  as a new hotel development and more apartments take shape.
It’s a long haul from the time that car ferries operated from this dock, and the original conversion of cargo sheds to a marina shopping venue.  Yet in its way the opening of the original Ocean Village retail centre Canute’s Pavilion and the marina itself  heralded a new phase in life for the old dock which had been base for railway ferries which had operated to Le Havre and Cherbourg for 100 years.
New drive-on car ferries introduced by the Norwegian company Thoresen in 1964 replaced the old railway service, and over the years there were many occasions I had privilege to get to know Normandy in northern France through the services of the then new ferry company and its successors.
Today ferry services have long disappeared and so has the original retail complex,  Ocean Village has become a vibrant marina for sailing enthusiasts and home for still expanding residential housing and apartments . . . and the new 85-bedroom Harbour Hotel  and Spa.
Ocean Village is also home to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club which moved from a city centre base in a converted hotel to the purpose built marina home  which has a commanding position on the marina with spectacular views all round the marina.  The foundation stone was laid by the Admiral, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, in September 1987 and the Clubhouse, with bar, dining rooms, function rooms and offices was opened by him on October 7, 1988