Until 1996 boats moored in the Inner Harbour were tethered to a floating pontoon. This part of the harbour often looked cluttered with large and small boats seemingly all over the place.

The first picture above was taken in 1994 from Chapelhay. Although not looking cluttered on this summer's day, it is a reminder of how it used to look. The second picture was taken 9 years later in 2003. The trees have grown and now obscure some of the view. Most of the buildings are still the same, but there are some new additions.

By the summer of 1996 the plans laid out previously to provide a proper marina and enhance the general area were taking shape. Gone was the floating pontoon and in its place were properly laid out moorings. Today the 250 berth marina looks organised and its location and surrounding area have undergone a facelift. Alongside the new marina a nicely laid out pathway complete with traditional style lamps has replaced the rough towpath. It now has an appeal that was absent before. It is a nice place to visit rather than just being functional for mariners.

New properties have appeared alongside it in Commercial Road. Harbourside flats have been built in a style in keeping with the historic flavour of the area. Modern yet with careful thought given to traditional detail to add a quaint charm.

The new shopping centre has replaced the once derelict buildings and the rough car park, which had formerly been a shop floor with the floor tiles remaining in situ. The style of the main building of the shopping centre, Debenhams, is ultra-modern yet has a design that somehow connects it with the marina and inner harbour.

The picture of the new marina below was taken from Westham Bridge in 2003, so taken in the opposite direction to the pictures above.