POOLE Harbour's £10million South Quay has been officially opened by Local Growth Minister Jake Berry.

Mr Berry was welcomed by Jim Stewart, chief executive officer of Poole Harbour Commissioners and chairman of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, during a tour of the new facility on Thursday. (May 17)

It is hoped the new quay will help attract millions in revenue, as it enables bigger ships - both cruise liners and freight - to dock at Poole.

Indeed, port bosses are aiming for at least one cruise ship a week at the quay.

On cutting the ribbon, Mr Berry said: "The opening of South Quay represents a key milestone in the regeneration of the Port of Poole and a major economic boost for the local area. Welcoming cruise and cargo ships from across the world, this new quay bolsters the Port of Poole’s reputation as an international hub and a gateway to the south coast."

The new deep water quay is 200 metres long and 40 metres wide, and able to accommodate vessels up to 220 metres long.

Its development has enabled the port to accommodate bigger ships, carrying over 1,000 passengers.

South Quay has been operational for cargoes and yacht transfers since the beginning of the year, but the completion of the surfacing work allowed Poole to welcome its first cruise ship of the season in the first week of May - The Corinthian, operated by Grand Circle Line Cruises.

Mr Stewart said: "We are delighted that the Right Honourable Jake Berry is able to come along today and officially open South Quay.

"This occasion celebrates this exciting and transformative project for the Port of Poole.The Dorset LEP secured funding from the government for road improvements for Poole and the port project formed an important part of the rationale for the road improvements.

"We are the newest cruise berth in the world and one of the biggest port developments seen on the south coast in recent years.

"The creation of the new South Quay has created huge amounts of interest across the industry. It’s brilliant news for Poole and Dorset and the new quay will enable us to get the name of Poole out there on a world platform."