Project Overview
Amiri was appointed to remodel and redevelop Chichester Marina in West Sussex following a change in ownership and a new strategic vision from Premier Marinas.
The original design and build contract included the construction of a restaurant, boat repair workshops, retail outlets, mezzanine floors for flexible use, boat sales offices, and a licensed café/restaurant.
As the project progressed, two additional discrete phases were added. Phase One involved the conversion of existing flats and retail units into short-term holiday lets, while Phase Two converted four flats and retail units into nineteen flats for assured shorthold tenancy. A significant part of the redevelopment included a new large marine retail unit, rigging workshops, and a boatshed arranged in an ‘L’ shape around the boatyard, providing easy access to all facilities required for maintenance and repairs.
Throughout the project, Amiri had to adapt to evolving client aspirations, integrating high-quality finishes and luxury elements as the new Board sought a more ambitious outcome, while maintaining the programme and ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations at the marina.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Redesign Mid-Construction: The new Board’s vision required a more ambitious and luxurious outcome, making the original design unsuitable.
Amiri removed all subcontractors from internal works, measured and valued the existing work, and collaborated with an externally appointed Interior Designer to develop a revised design that aligned with the client’s brief while remaining within the building envelope and budget.
Workshop Floor Reinforcement: A prospective tenant required one workshop to safely support a hoist for a 300kg engine, which exceeded the original floor loading capacity.
The team drilled through the suspended precast concrete floor, installed mini piles, cast a concrete ring beam, and added a steel channel to provide the necessary structural support for the hoist and heavy boats.
Complex Services Integration: Phase One required soil and vent pipes to pass under an existing concrete slab in restricted space, with sloping tunnels not normally used for waste services.
Amiri implemented a tunnelling technique, threading the pipes through small cut sections in the foundations and manholes, successfully integrating the services without disrupting the building structure or ongoing operations.
Phased Construction & Material Access: Phase Two involved a full strip-out and addition of a third floor, which would have blocked material access if standard scaffolding had been used.
The team constructed a temporary weathered flat roof, reinforced the floor below, and built a floating floor and pitched roof. This allowed traditional vertical scaffolding to be used for efficient delivery and installation of materials across all floors, saving time and costs.
Tight Site and Logistics Constraints: The marina’s location and ongoing operations required careful management of deliveries and large vehicle movements.
A site-specific traffic plan was implemented, with mobile barriers and marshals appointed during deliveries, ensuring minimal disruption to the public and ongoing marina operations.
Project Outcomes
The completed redevelopment transformed Chichester Marina into a modern, flexible, and high-quality leisure and marine facility. The upgraded workshops, retail units, café, and holiday lets delivered improved commercial opportunities while enhancing the experience for berth-holders and visitors.
Phase One successfully delivered short-term holiday lets integrated seamlessly within the existing building, while Phase Two created nineteen luxury flats with assured shorthold tenancies. The bespoke engineering solutions, including floor reinforcement, tunnelling for services, and innovative roof sequencing, allowed complex design requirements to be realised efficiently.
The project exemplified Amiri’s ability to adapt to evolving client ambitions, coordinate multiple phases, and overcome technical and logistical challenges while maintaining budget control and programme. The marina now offers an enhanced visitor experience and a commercially viable, sustainable asset for Premier Marinas’ portfolio.
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