WORK is due to start in the autumn on a new £20million marina attraction in Stourport, creating 200 jobs in the town.

Updated plans for the Marina Quays, which were given planning permission in March, will create a 400-berth basin, 84 water-facing holiday apartments, a clubhouse, gym, and bars and restaurants on unused land off the River Severn in Sandy Lane Industrial Park.

Developer Clive Fletcher says the full-access marina will "up the game" for boat owners in the West Midlands and allow Stourport to "keep up" with development projects in Kidderminster.

Mr Fletcher said: "At the moment, Stourport is the poor relative of Kidderminster. But this is a huge investment and we've got massive support from people in the local area.

"Things are starting to happen in Kidderminster in terms of investment and this will help Stourport to keep up with these developments.

"A lot of people in Birmingham and the Black Country visit Stourport and there's a big shortfall in docks, but also I think people want more for their buck these days. Marina Quays is really going to up the game."

The plans will involve building a new footbridge across the entrance to the marina, as well as improvement works to a footpath between the site and the town centre, which has been nicknamed Marina Mile.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Mr Fletcher said: "People in the town will be able to walk down the river to access the bars and restaurants at Marina Quays, and our customers at this end will be able to access all the facilities in the town centre too. It's a two-way street."

Land at the marina is also being donated to provide a secondary base and training facility for the Severn Area Rescue Association.

The development is expected to be completed by summer 2023.