200 additional berths in the Port du Grand Large
As part of its work on the transformation of its seaside resort, the Urban Community of Dunkirk has presented its Marina project. The master plan outlines the evolution of the Grand Large area by 2030-2032. The marina should quickly benefit from work to take on its new configuration by 2027, with in particular an extension, bringing the number of berths from 250 to 450, and major investments on land and on the water for about 7 million euros over the term of office.
Improved marina services
In addition to increasing the number of berths in the port, various services and living spaces are to be created, as explained by Patrice Vergriete, Mayor of Dunkirk. "The Port du Grand Large has the easiest access to the sea, with no locks. We want to integrate it into the city and make it the heart of Dunkirk's yachting scene. We want to revitalize the site, with restaurants and leisure activities on site. We will upgrade the fuel station, put a gantry crane, move the dry port, correct the slope of the slipway by making it pay, but organizing adequate parking. Dunkerque Marina has a substantial deficit and we want to find a dynamic, more ambitious and balanced economic model."
The work will also include a protective structure, the technical studies of which are currently being refined. The reorganization of the pontoons has already started and Dunkerque Marina is recruiting a director for the management of the Grand Large port and the Commerce and Marine basins.
A yachting strategy based on 3 pillars
The work on the Grand Large marina is part of a plan for yachting developed by the Urban Community of Dunkirk with the help of consultant Philippe Richard. This strategy includes the Grand Large project, but also the development of professional activities related to boating in the sector for storage, wintering and boat repair, with the help of private investors, as well as the transformation of the Commerce and Marine basins in the city center. The elected official details: "The idea is to shift the boats that often go out to the Grand Large marina, which is easier to access towards the sea, and to invent new forms of occupation with floating housing, floating businesses and heritage boats, which go out less and would be relevant opposite the Port Museum." The mayor has set himself 2 mandates to advance on this path.
