The Marina, situated in the centre of Aberystwyth was, in past centuries, a very industrious port. Important exports included lead and zinc ores sent for refining in Llanelli, Bristol and on the river Dee. Other significant exports were oak bark (in demand in Irish tanneries) and oak poles for use as props in coal mines. Imports were varied but typically included South Wales coal, mestone and household goods.

The port saw a slow but gradual decline in use until eventually it reverted to being a small fishing harbour. The basin became silted and the surroundings fell into a state of neglect. Extensive dredging, however, removed almost 100,000 cubic metres of materials from the basin and formed nearly 4 acres of land for development.

Visit the Aberystwyth Marina site

Merlin Homes (Wales), Aberystwyth commenced work in late 1995 for 67 luxury waterside apartments/flats on the Marina, Aberystwyth. The project combined traditional build with modern construction techniques to ensure it remained sympathetic to its surroundings but was completed to exacting high stanards.

External block render combined with stone walls and slate roofs gave an attractive waterfront facade to the basin whilst bespoke hardwood balconies, designed locally and manufactured by skilled craftsmen, ensured the very best sea views across Cardigan Bay.

Internally the apartments are constructed of bison beam floors with solid block walls. There are 9 blocks in total, the ninth being furnished with a lift servicing the last 3 flats, these being more exclusive and spacious.

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The commercial block, constructed in two phases, comprised a 31,000 sq ft steel frame and block wall development. Floors utilised steel decking with reinforced concrete, creating versatile open plan floor spaces that allowed for partitioning for specific office needs.

Externally modern block render and traditional stonework were again used to complete the transformation of the Marina by Merlin Homes, Aberystwyth.

The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) leased 7,500 sq ft for office space with the remaining 23,500sq ft being used as a Technium Centre.

Visit the Aberystwyth Marina site

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