It is hoped the new slipway will play a major role in bringing boat building and repair skills back to the River Nene at Wisbech, decades after they had all but died out.

Detailed design for the slipway is yet to be finalised but it is anticipated that vessels well in excess of those handled by the 75 tonne hoist will be accommodated.

It is also seen as filling a need on the UK east coast where small commercial vessels based locally have, until now, had to steam significant distances to be slipped for repair. The Wisbech slipway will be the only one of its kind between the river Humber and Lowestoft.

The purchase of the slipway was made possible with funds from partners European Regeneration Funding, administered by GO-East, EEDA and the council. Funding included the provision of work space units as well as the heavy-duty winching equipment to raise and lower boats from the river.

Cllr Mac Cotterell, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the port, said this '...will make a major difference to the regeneration of the port and to the resurgence of the long-redundant boat building and repair industry that used to employ so many people in Wisbech.'