TTE™ – Swanwick Marina – Car Park
- Location
- Swanwick Marina, Swanwick Shore Road, Southampton, SO31 1FA
- Contractor
- AJR Civil and Marine Ltd
The Background
Swanwick Marina, situated on the River Hamble, has a rich history, evolving from the established Moody’s boatyard in the 19th century. The boatyard was a significant centre for boat building, notably constructing yachts from the 1930s and undertaking war work for the Admiralty during WWII.
Today, the marina is a leading facility, having hosted the British Motor Yacht Show since 2014. The site has undergone substantial upgrades to enhance the user experience, including modern pontoons, a new boatyard, and a dedicated berth holders’ lounge.
Our Client’s Requirements
Premier Marinas acquired Swanwick Marina in the 1990s and initiated a programme of continuous upgrades to transform the site into one of the UK’s premier marinas. A major phase of regeneration commenced in 2014, coinciding with the marina securing the British Motor Yacht Show.
The redevelopment focused on significantly improving infrastructure, pontoons, access, facilities, and safety, reflecting Premier Marinas’ long-term commitment to high operational standards and a premium customer experience. To meet these enhanced requirements, TTE™ permeable paving was selected as the preferred surfacing solution.
The system’s combination of strength, permeability, sustainability, and visual quality aligned with Premier Marinas’ objectives for:
• Safety – providing a stable, non-slip, and load-bearing surface suitable for heavy marina traffic.
• Quality – durable construction materials offering a long service life with minimal maintenance.
• Aesthetics – an attractive, uniform finish that complements the modern marina environment and visitor experience.
Our Value Engineered solution
In a busy marina, a surfacing solution must accommodate heavy vehicle loads, boat trailers, pedestrian movement, and wet conditions, all while protecting the surrounding waterway and complying with environmental standards.
The design team selected TTE™ permeable paving as a value-engineered solution to meet these specific challenges:
• Load-Bearing Performance: The interlocking TTE™ system can withstand heavy marina traffic, including service vehicles and boats on trailers, without surface deformation or damage.
• Slip Resistance & Safety: The textured surface improves traction in wet conditions, enhancing safety for both marina staff and pedestrians.
• Sustainable Drainage (SuDS): The fully permeable design allows rainwater to infiltrate the ground, which reduces surface runoff into the marina and minimises flood risk.
• Reduced Sub-Base Requirements: Efficient load distribution reduces excavation and material needs compared to traditional concrete or asphalt, leading to lower installation costs.
• Durability & Maintenance: The paving is resistant to saltwater, oils, and repeated wet-dry cycles, ensuring long-term performance in a harsh coastal environment.
• Aesthetics & Visitor Experience: The clean, uniform finish complements the modern marina environment and provides a visually appealing surface for customers attending events like the British Motor Yacht Show.