Waterway specialist makes a splash with marina acquisition

Warwickshire waterways specialists, The Rothen Group, has purchased Fazeley Mill Marina from ABC Leisure Group, securing a base to support its growth.

Located at the junction of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and Coventry Canal, the 2.2-acre marina currently serves as a mooring site.

For The Rothen Group, the acquisition offers a location near Birmingham’s waterways, facilitating its work in maintaining the UK’s canal network.

Birmingham’s canal system, with over 100 miles of navigable waterways, connects to routes like the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and the Grand Union Canal.

The purchase of Fazeley Mill Marina will enhance The Rothen Group’s ability to access and service these waterways.

Plans are to invest in the marina by upgrading and repairing the mooring facilities.

Ian Rothen, managing director of The Rothen Group, said: “Fazeley Mill Marina marks a significant new chapter for The Rothen Group. It is already a popular spot for mooring, given its central location and local amenities, and we are excited to start work on bringing improved facilities to its users.

“As a company, we are very passionate about protecting the UK’s historic canals and waterways. We will therefore be using the marina as a new strategic base to enhance our operations, bringing us closer to Birmingham and hundreds of miles of critical canals.”

Carl Onens, managing director of ABC Leisure Group, said: “We are pleased to have completed the sale of Fazeley Mill Marina to The Rothen Group. As part of our strategy to focus on inland waterway marinas for holiday lettings, we believe The Rothen Group’s plans for Fazeley align with the best interests of both the marina and the wider UK waterways network.”

The Rothen Group acquired Fazeley Mill Marina from ABC Leisure Group.

ABC Leisure operates 17 inland waterway marinas across the UK, offering a range of services, which includes around 900 mooring berths, a fleet of 300 narrowboats for self-drive, self-catering holidays, a boat building operation, a boat brokerage service, and a growing Chandlery business, including Onboard Energy.

Earlier this year, The Rothen Group reported a record £7m turnover and announced plans to build new headquarters at Mancetter Wharf in Atherstone, Warwickshire.