Plans for the creation of a new £2m marina on the River Nene in Northampton have been given the go-ahead after the local authority agreed to provide the final amount of grant funding for the scheme.

The Becket's Park Partnership (BPP) will receive £204,845 from Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) through the council's Single Programme funding to develop the new marina, which will also establish a regional centre for the boating community. The marina will offer moorings for more than 80 boats and easy access to Northampton city centre. It will also provide boaters with a waterway link between the Grand Union Canal and the Fens.

Phase one of the scheme, which is being part-funded by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and the Environment Agency, is expected to get underway in January and is due for completion in March 2011. Later phases as part of the Becket's Park project will include the installation of new landscaping and lighting, the construction of a new café and restaurants, as well as improved cycling, walking and boating routes for Northampton.

NCC cabinet member for environment, growth and transport, Heather Smith, said: "This is a very important step forward for this project which aims to transform the riverfront, making it an extremely pleasant place in which to be, while at the same time providing a focus for the boating community." Northampton Borough Council's Trini Clarke, who is also a member of the BPP, added: "For too long the River Nene has been a fantastic natural asset that the town seemed to have forgotten. The marina will be something everyone can enjoy, bringing visitors to the town and creating opportunities."