A landmark marine wharf in Hampshire has a new owner.
The Trafalgar Group, with operations in the leisure boating, commercial shipyard and property, sold the Trafalgar Wharf site at the top of Portsmouth Harbour to Premier Marinas.
In an off-market deal, property consultancy Vail Williams acted on behalf of Trafalgar, with a number of interested parties approached on a confidential basis.
The completed sale includes the landmark Trafalgar Drystack, which is the largest indoor dry boat storage unit in Europe, able to store more than 300 power and motorboats for quick launching by powerful boat lifts, and Trafalgar Shipyard.
Ian Froome, who leads the marine and leisure property team at Portsmouth-based Vail Williams, said: “Trafalgar acquired the former Vosper Thornycroft site in 2008 and it was renamed Trafalgar Wharf, with an ongoing programme of investment, innovation and improvement.
“We have been involved on site in a professional advisory capacity since 2008 and, following an instruction from Trafalgar, a confidential placement to a selected handful of companies took place.”
Whilst Premier Marinas takes over what is now Premier Trafalgar Wharf, including the dry stack and shipyard, many of Trafalgar’s businesses remain under the Trafalgar banner.
With Trafalgar’s Managing Director, Jonny Boys, at the helm, Boat Club Trafalgar, RIBs For Sale, Ballistic RIBs, Thornham Marina and Gatcombe House serviced offices continue as integral parts of The Trafalgar Group.
Boat Club Trafalgar and RIBs For Sale will remain on-site at the newly named Premier Trafalgar Wharf.
Jonny said: “An important aspect of the sale transition is the continuity of our dedicated teams. The staff at the Drystack and Shipyard, who have been the backbone of our operations, will be transferring to Premier Marinas.
“They will remain in their current roles at the same location, ensuring that the exceptional service and experience customers expect continue seamlessly.
“We are grateful to Ian at Vail Williams for finding a partner in Premier Marinas which shares our vision of creating exceptional boating and waterside experiences – the company’s track record in the marine sector is exemplary and its commitment to quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our ethos.
“As we embark on this new chapter at The Trafalgar Group, our focus is now sharply turned towards exploring and investing in new opportunities.”
Premier Marinas, owned by The Wellcome Trust, a charitable foundation focused on health research, owns and manages a range of coastal marinas and boatyards in England.
Pete Bradshaw, Premier Marinas Chief Executive, said: “The acquisition marks yet another milestone for Premier as we continue to invest and grow our business.
“Trafalgar Wharf adds new capabilities to our group and we’re confident that we will be able to combine the knowledge of the existing team and our wider operational experience to further enhance the site and operations.”
