Monday 13 June 2011
Lord West to open new shiphandling centre
Warsash Maritime Academy – part of Southampton Solent University – is officially opening its new manned model shiphandling centre at Timsbury Lake.
The University’s Chancellor, The Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead, will open the new £2.7 million centre during a special ceremony on Tuesday, 21 June.
The new shiphandling centre is a major investment to ensure the continued development of the University’s highly specialised maritime training facilities.
Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore, says:
“The opening of the University's new world-class ship handling training centre will bring benefits to the international shipping industry, the regional economy and local wildlife.
It forms part of a cluster of maritime related investment and new facilities in Southampton and the Solent region. And I am delighted that we have been able to do this in a sensitive way that respects and enhances the natural environment.”
Following the ceremony, invited guests will have the opportunity to take a boat trip and a guided walk around the lake. Visitors will also be able to view the new workshop and teaching block and see the models in action as they navigate the lake’s canal and harbour areas.
Warsash Maritime Academy’s original internationally-renowned manned model shiphandling centre – one of only five in the world - was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site to Timsbury, near Romsey, after it was identified as an ideal site for WMA’s first class training for the international shipping industry.
Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter in Timsbury’s history. The 9th century lake has, over the years, been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and the haunt of carp anglers.
Over the last year, work has been carried out on the lake to allow for ship models to navigate berths, basins and channels to recreate a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations for officers and pilots to practice shiphandling skills. It will allow complex maritime manoeuvres to be practised in complete safety, making it a key training tool for the shipping industry.
Safeguarding the ecology of the lake and its woodland surroundings has been a major element of the project so that, as well as providing world leading maritime training, Timsbury lake will also continue to be a haven for wildlife and a local natural asset.
Tristan Norton, senior ecologist with ECOSA (Ecological, Survey and Assessment Ltd) says:
“This has been a fantastic project, with everyone involved really pulling together to make sure that ecological issues have been at the top of the agenda at every stage.
“As Solent carried out their work on the lake, we were able to build two otter holts, special banks for the water voles, as well as enhancing ponds for newts. Because the manned models are so quiet and there are only small numbers of people on the lake at one time, these species should continue to thrive. In fact, we’re expecting that the enhanced facilities will encourage even more of these rare animals.”
Herons, buzzards, great crested grebes and wild geese are just some of the wildlife regularly seen by staff and pilots as they navigate the scale model vessels around the lake.
Local residents are invited to visit the centre on Wednesday, 22 June (3:00pm – 8:30pm) the day after the official opening. Staff will be on hand to give guided walks and answer any questions.
Due to limited parking facilities at the centre, a park-and-ride arrangement will be in place. Visitors are requested to go to the Hunts Farm Sports Ground, Timsbury, Romsey, SO51 0NU where a regular coach service to the lake will operate.
Anyone requiring further information about the public event on 22 June should email events@solent.ac.uk|| or call 023 8031 9040.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040