A marina along with a sports and health club has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

Private owners have bought the two basins which have a capacity for up to 490 boats, and the Waterfront Leisure Centre across a 19-acre site at Gillingham Marina.

New owners husband and wife team Gary and Rita Beckwith previously owned City Cruises, the largest river cruise company in the UK which ran sightseeing and dinner cruises on the Thames in London.

They also operated water-based excursions in Poole, Dorset and in York.

Terry Gabriel, managing director of Gillingham Marina Ltd has written to berth holders saying: "The reason for the purchase and long-term goal of the directors to improve the site as a whole but particularly, the marina area within the complex.

"We believe there is scope to develop the site to offer an improved experience for berth holders.

"Going forward you will slowly see alterations in areas within the site which we trust will reflect in a positive way for you all."

The marina in Pier Road, which went on sale last year, has been in the hands of the Parham family since the 1970s.

It has prided itself for being recognised by The Yacht Harbour Association's Five Gold Anchors award, which it has held for 25 years.

The business yielded its income from various sources, principally berthing and yard charges as well as membership fees from the leisure centre which closed permanently last February because of lockdown.

Other marina facilities include The Quarterdeck bar and restaurant, toilets and showers, laundry, children's playground, refuelling point, helicopter landing pad and on-site car park.

There is also a large chandlery and workshops comprising boat hoists, crane paint-spraying booths and secure storage area.

The Waterfront has a luxury swimming pool, squash and badminton courts, games room, roof-top gym with panoramic views over the river, treatment, sauna and steam rooms, a bar and restaurant.

The site was put for sale by Savills, international real estate agents in March 2021 and was hailed as an "attractive redevelopment opportunity".

Kay Griffiths, Savills' associate director in the leisure and trade team, said: "Gillingham Marina offered an exciting opportunity for investors to acquire a well-established marina.

"We received strong interest in the sale as the marina has extensive facilities and opportunities to add value and we are delighted to find an experienced leisure operator that intends to invest and develop the site further to benefit of its users."

Future plans for the former gym have not yet been revealed.