Meet the man masterminding Poole’s marina master plan (From Bournemouth Echo)

Meet the man masterminding Poole’s marina master plan

4:00pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News By Diana Henderson

MARINE SCENE: Phil Armstrong

AS a master plan which could change the face of Poole’s waterfront nears completion, a new post has been created to help develop future projects.

A new marina on Poole Quay could add £25million to the local economy and create 200-300 jobs – one of five projects in the soon-to-be published master plan.

Now PHC has appointed a new engineering project manager to help maximise the potential of the organisation which says it needs to diversify to counteract the decline in ferry traffic.

A seaward extension to the current boat haven with a marine centre, deepening conventional quays, cruise ships berths and new deep water quays are included in the draft master plan.

Phil Armstrong, a civil engineer, has joined PHC following a career with two local authorities in the construction management of flood defence and coastal protection projects along the Essex coastline, as well as seven years in the private sector with a large UK marina company.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the future developments and operations of Poole Harbour Commissioners, and to see the organisation’s long-term ambitions come to fruition,” said Phil.

“The projects within the Master Plan are wide-ranging and technically challenging but accuracy is critical to making them work commercially.

“I believe my experience will bring significant relevance to what is an already expert, yet welcoming team of professionals.”

He has extensive experience of project management for the delivery of various marine schemes, with specific responsibility for dredging and marine construction, focusing on the coastline across the south of England.

Jim Stewart, the chief executive of PHC told the annual open evening last November that extending the boat haven would safeguard 750 associated jobs.

An environmental assessment is being prepared, which is likely to run to more than 1,000 pages and would need careful study: “Before we take any decisions about any projects we want to move forward with,” he said.