ONE of the "finest" and "most modern" marinas in North Wales has been sold to a leisure operator.

Deganwy Marina on the Conwy Estuary in North Wales has been sold to Lakeland Leisure Estates.

The marina was put up for sale for £2.5m by The Crown Estate last Summer.

Lakeland Leisure Estates has acquired the freehold interest and will take over the management and operation of the marina on March 31, upon expiry of the current lease, held by Quay Marinas.

It was sold on behalf of The Crown Estate by joint agents Cooke & Arkwright, Jones Peckover and Vail Williams.

Rod Perons, director at Cooke & Arkwright, said: "Deganwy Marina is situated in a beautiful location with access to excellent sailing waters and the facilities all along the coast, including the harbours of Pwllheli, Caernarfon, Conwy, Porthmadog, Aberdovey, Barmouth, Holyhead and Beaumaris. The sale generated considerable interest from marina operators and other investors in the leisure industry."

Gary Thompson, of The Crown Estate, added: "As a business, we focus on sectors where we have the scale and expertise to deliver value. We are delighted to see the Lakeland Leisure Estate team take the Marina forward, ensuring the asset is managed by a specialist in the sector."

Deganwy Marina occupies a scenic location facing 13th century Conwy Castle and Snowdonia National Park across the Conwy Estuary.

It is equipped with 165 pontoon berths, a modern marina building with showroom, offices and on-shore facilities, an automatic tidal gate, dry stack area and car parking. Adjoining the Marina is the 4 star Quay Hotel and Spa.