Northampton Borough Council is considering proposals to develop a new £3.3m marina as part of the Beckets Park Masterplan.

The marina, proposed for a currently rundown and disused rowing lake, could provide 82 permanent moorings and a 'regional centre' for boat users travelling from the Grand Union Canal through to the Fens network. The intention behind the project is to transform the area into an attractive, family-friendly destination. Plans for potential developments in the area are being overseen by the Beckets Park Partnership. Organisation involved include the borough council, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), River Nene Regional Park, the Environment Agency, Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited and Northamptonshire County Council.

The partnership also plans to improve walking, cycling and boating routes to the east and west of the town. Councillor Trini Crake said: "This is just what the town needs. The river has been an untapped asset for Northampton. We want the marina to attract people to Northampton and create a real destination. In the future it could host major events such as the Inland Water Ways Association Festival, which annually attracts up to 50,000 people and would bring additional revenue to the town".

Candy Reed, of the Environment Agency, said: "This project will significantly increase the numbers of boats travelling to and staying at Northampton, a gateway between the national canal network and navigable rivers to the east. It will encourage the people of Northampton, and visitors to the town, to see the waterfront as an attractive and appealing destination." If the money can be found for the project, the council says the marina could pave the way for further improvements including a waterside café.