Mersea Boating Lake, Rewsalls Lane, Mersea Island, CO5

Introduction
Mersea Boating Lake represents an opportunity to acquire a unique, emerging leisure development situated overlooking the River Blackwater estuary on Mersea Island. A recent development comprising a 6.5 acre boating lake, aqua park, café and private beach, offering a wide range of leisure activities, set within a 26.8 acre site.

Location
The property is located 1 mile from the affluent riverside town of West Mersea on Mersea Island, with excellent road links to Colchester (9 miles), with access to the A12 and A120. The site is accessed directly off Rewsalls Lane, with security barrier entry leading to a large car parking area.

Mersea Island
Mersea has a rich maritime history and is renowned for its wide range of seafood establishments, as well as a variety of leisure facilities including the yacht club. The island attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year served by a number of caravan parks, beach huts, camping and glamping sites. MBL is situated between the picturesque beaches of West and East Mersea, offering a beautiful vista of the Blackwater Estuary. The site is located in close proximity to other leisure facilities including Essex Outdoor, Mersea Vineyard and three separate holiday parks.

Mersea Boating Lake
Constructed in 2019, the 6.5 acre boating lake has been purpose built for water sports, with a uniform topography and 1.5 metre depth throughout. The lake is fed by saline water but is completely enclosed and non-tidal. The banks of the lake are graded and lined with astro-turf to enable easy access, with a perimeter path. The lake has the benefit of an aqua park, with a 20pc Aqua Glide inflatable (new in 2021) secured close to the facilities building. In addition to the boating lake is a secondary, tidal lake of approx. 7 acres which is currently undeveloped.

Activities
The current operation is water sports focussed with a wide range of activities including the aqua park, open water swimming, sailing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, with individual and group bookings. Equipment hire is also available, together with swimming lessons and sessions, dog walks and nature walks. MBL is a relatively new leisure facility, first opened in 2020. Popularity has increased year on year, with the business being nominated as a finalist in the East of England Tourism Awards 22/23.

Lake House Café
A single storey lakeside building extending to 900 sq ft positioned overlooking the western bank. Comprising a preparation and display area, internal seating, male & female changing rooms. External timber decking area provides further seating next to the water.

Facilities
In addition to the Lakehouse is an equipment store (9m x 6m) and timber changing rooms (2.5m x 6m). A large area of hardstanding surrounding the Lake House, with seating area and gazebo.

Beach
A private beach fronting onto the Blackwater Estuary. Approximately 1.7 acres of private sandy beach and dune accessed directly from the main site with around 200 metres of frontage.

Additional Land
As hatched blue on the sale plan, up to 5 acres of land lying immediately north of the site is available by separate negotiation.

Planning
The site benefits from planning permission for the construction of the boating lake together with permission for a flood defence bund along existing sea wall.

Environmental and Natural Capital
The lake has been landscaped to compliment the surrounding flora and fauna. In particular, the abundant wildlife which inhabit the Colne Estuary National Nature Reserve which includes various species of wader and wildfowl which roost along the estuary. The land may provide opportunities for the uplift for off-site habitats for the purposes of generating Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Units. Such uplift could include species-rich wetlands and intertidal zones. Generated units can be sold commercially to developers.

Income and Expenditure
Mersea Boating Lake generates income through a combination of individual and group bookings through the website for the aqua park and water activities. Together with further income generated through café sales. Income and expenditure details available upon request.

Website
Merseaboatinglake.com
Facebook and Instagram: Mersea Boating Lake

TUPE
The business currently employs a full time manager together with part-time staff. TUPE obligations apply to the sale.

Services
Mains water and 3 phase electricity, private drainage.

VAT
VAT will be applicable to the purchase price.

Energy Performance
EPC rating - TBC