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The latest plans to regenerate Osprey Quay and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), which will host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events during the Games, were unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) last week.

Sebastian COE, Chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee, said, 'This scheme will transform Weymouth from an existing top class venue into a world class training and competition venue equipped to stage further major international sailing events and competitions after the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

'The enhancements will also open up this superb sailing site to people from a wide range of backgrounds, providing a marvellous sailing experience that will help to grow the sport.'

What's Next Exhibition

More than 300 people including key stakeholders and the local community visited the 'Osprey Quay - What's next?' exhibition, which ran in Weymouth and Portland from 8-10 February, to comment on the plans before they are submitted to local planners and the Harbour Authority at the end of March 2007.

The plans include a new permanent slipway, more race-boat parking, and lifting and mooring facilities, all of which will deliver new and improved sailing facilities for use during the Games and in legacy.

A planning application for the new facilities will be submitted next month and construction work is due to be completed by the end of 2008, meaning Weymouth and Portland will be one of the first venues ready for the 2012 Games.

New Marina

SWRDA's developers Dean & Reddyhoff will also submit planning applications next month for a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay, of which 250 berths will be used during the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The marina will include retail and industrial development bringing enormous social and economic regeneration to the local area.

Ralph Luck, ODA Director of Property, said, 'We will be going for gold to ensure Weymouth and Portland is one of the first venues ready for 2012. Elite athletes and the local community alike will benefit from new world-class facilities before, during and long after the Games.

'This scheme is an excellent example of how the Games can act as a driver for wider regeneration, spreading Olympic benefits around the country.'

Bruce VOSS, SWRDA Head of Operations, said, 'These are exciting times for Weymouth and Portland and the proposals for Osprey Quay showcased at the exhibition are being well received, with useful feedback coming in on several aspects. There is a strong support for the economic boost that the development will give the area.'