Eling Life

 
Last week I visited Marchwood Yacht Club at the northern end of Southampton Water and today we turn to the nearby Eling Creek, almost next door to Marchwood.
It’s home for Eling Sailing Club and is the focus of major development projects.
At its centre, the listed Eling tide mill, the heritage centre and sailing club are all part of a refurbishment project in a recently formed partnership of New Forest District Council and the local Totton and Eling Town Council, aided by a £1.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The idea is to conserve the mill which has been harnessing tides in the creek to grind wheat for centuries, create a new learning centre, and improve outdoor areas which include a beach and walking and recreational areas.
Alongside it, owners of adjoining industrial land fronting Southampton Water have ambitious plans to create a waterfront leisure facilities, shops and housing which will put Eling’s waterway firmly on the map.
Sadly, when I visited today I discovered the mill and heritage centre are still closed for the refurbishment, but I look forward to the time I can see the mill working once again.
Demolition work is underway though on the adjoining industrial area.

This quiet corner of Southampton Water looks set for a new lease of life.