Following closure of the docks, buoy moorings were installed in 1987 and operations as public marina began. In 1988–89 a building containing a cafe, chandlery and a ship broker was constructed, along with the installation of pontoon berths for 75 craft and a wave attenuator (floating shield) to protect moored vessels. In 1991, 26 additional pontoon berths were installed and a further 24 in 1992. A dry storage and sales yard was built on the opposite side of Navigation Way, on the northeastern banks of the tidal basin.
