Plans have been unveiled for a £100 million marina development in Ramsey.

Details were announced by businessman Robin Bromley-Martin when he gave evidence to Tynwald’s harbour strategy committee yesterday (Wednesday).

Mr Bromley-Martin claimed the project will create 100 jobs and bring in 5,000 to 10,000 extra visitors to the town, generating an extra £500,000 to £1m additional income.

The plans involve creating a 400-berth non-tidal marina between the south harbour wall and Queen’s Pier and extending the existing breakwater out by some 300m before turning south another 350m.

Just under half a million cubic metres of sand will be dredged and the material used to reclaim an area of beach spanning some 12 acres.

Mr Bromley-Martin said roughly half of that - from the Bowling Alley to the north of the reclaimed area - will be developed largely for housing, with 200 flats and townhouses. There would also be a five-star boutique hotel looking out over the marina and also a piazza with bars and restaurants.

He said the marina works would cost in the region of £25m to £30m but total investment would be £100m.

Half of the marina costs would come from the profits of the residential development and the other half would come from the private sector.

Mr Bromley-Martin, who has a background in developing container ports in Africa, said no government funding would be required. He said Ramsey Marina Limited would be seeking a two-year exclusivity agreement.

If planning consent is secured, work on the project could begin as early as April 2020 with the first pontoons open by the summer of 2021.

A number of marina projects for Ramsey have been proposed in the past but come to nothing.

Mr Bromley-Martin said his scheme had the full support of the chairman and chief executive of Ramsey Commissioners. He said Ramsey bay offered a great opportunity for competitive boat racing.

The proposed marina was in the ’lowest denomination of zone’ of the Ramsey Bay Conservation Area, not in the ASSI and would create its own marine ecosystem, he said.