The first boats have taken up their moorings at the new Prince Phillip Yacht Haven on the River Hamble, it has been announced.

Redeveloped by Marina Projects Limited at a cost of £2.6m, the facility is shared by the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Royal Air Force Yacht Club.

Improvements include replacing the quay wall and extensive dredging work, which required an environmental assessment. And although the project is now substantially complete, the developers are still working on final landscaping improvements before the official opening by club patron the Duke of Edinburgh on June 4.

Mike Ward, managing director at Marina Projects Limited, said: “An immediate challenge for us was dealing with the historical cross-over between the access and activities, on both land and water, of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and their near neighbour, the Royal Air Force Yacht Club.”

He also praised the two clubs’ co-operation, which has allowed this project to come to fruition, and hailed the benefits for the local village.

A members-only soft opening for the Prince Phillip Yacht Haven will take place on April 25, with tickets priced at £10 each.