New moorings and a supermarket come to Gloucester Docks

Next Wednesday sees the opening of the new Sainsbury’s store on the Llantony side of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. British Waterways has chosen the same morning to celebrate the opening of two new visitor moorings to help boaters get the most out of the new facilities.

Mark Edwards, project manager for British Waterways, said "We wanted to make sure that both the Gloucester Quays centre and the new Sainsbury’s were able to capitalise on their fabulous waterside settings by providing suitable moorings at each site. As well as enabling boaters to stop off and stock up, we also hope that shoppers at both venues will enjoy watching the boaters moor up alongside.

"The pontoon at Baker’s Quay was installed by Intermarine and can accommodate up to 8 narrowboats. At Sainsbury’s we’ve had to do something a little more modest using a length of timber fendering fitted with cleats with a grassed bank, but it does the job. Sainsbury’s and their contractor, Kier, have been really supportive and have helped us a lot, even undertaking the re-turfing of the bankside to make the new mooring point look its best for the opening."

Free gift card and champagne for boaters

Boaters from the new marina at Saul Junction and members of Gloucester Yacht Club who moor in Victoria Basin in the dock have been invited to come and visit the new moorings next Wednesday morning. There will be a free £5 Sainsbury’s gift card for the first five boats to moor up after 9am at the Sainsbury’s visitor mooring and a free bottle of champage for the first five boats to moor up outside Gloucester Quays after 9.30am, go into the shopping centre, make a purchase and bring their receipt back to the mooring.

Boaters from further afield are also being encouraged to make Gloucester their destination for their next trip. As well as the new shops, the docks has some great pubs, Vinings Indian Restaurant, the Ferris Wheel and excellent mooring and sanitary facilties.
Commodore of Gloucester Yacht Club,

"One of the loveliest settings on the network"

Helen Cook, said "Gloucester’s a great place for boaters to visit. As well as all the usual attractions, we have one of the lovliest settings anywhere on the network. We’re a friendly lot and visitors are always welcome to drop in and join us for a drink and a chat at our club house."

The Yacht Club is situated next to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and is open every Friday and Saturday night.

Gloucester Dock is also home to the National Waterways Museum. General Manager, Doreen Davies, said "People are starting to come through to the docks from the Quays. Visitor numbers and income are up on the same period last year and we’re hoping the trend continues." The museum is open from 11am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday each week.