Work has started on the £2 million redevelopment of the boatshed at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

Office space with panoramic views across the Beaulieu River is being created at the award-winning marina, together with workshop units.

New boat refit facilities are also being installed as an added benefit for the yacht harbour’s 500 berth and mooring holders.

Stage one of the redevelopment is underway, as contractors moved on to the site to remove cladding from the original boatshed in preparation for building work to start.

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The yacht harbour team has moved to a temporary reception in the boatyard, while a more limited Chandlery has opened for the duration of the seven-month project.

The redevelopment will offer opportunities for marine-based businesses to relocate to one of the most desirable marinas on the south coast.

New waterfront offices and facilities will be available to rent from spring 2025.

Notes of interest are now being taken and preference will be given to tenants who provide value-added services for boat owners on the marina’s 200 fully-serviced walk-ashore pontoon berths and 300 river moorings, as well as more than 10,000 visitors who stay there each year.

(Image: Submitted) Harbourmaster Wendy Stowe said: ”We are excited to start work on the boatshed redevelopment and look forward to seeing the new impressive riverside offices, meeting rooms and workshops take shape.

"It’s another milestone in delivering the best facilities and services for our customers.”

The boatyard project follows a recent £2.5m redevelopment on the water, to reconfigure and extend the marina as the yacht harbour celebrated its half-century.

(Image: Submitted) Buckler’s Hard was recently ranked as one of the UK’s best marinas by being placed in the top 5 per cent of 5 Gold Anchors winners by The Yacht Harbour Association.

It was also voted the best place for sailors to call home when it won the prestigious Marina of the Year title in British Yachting’s awards in 2022, and came runner-up in TYHA’s Coastal Marina of the Year (over 250 berths) in 2024.

The Beaulieu River is the gateway to the New Forest National Park, providing habitats for more than 200 species of birdlife. The custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries has kept it special.