A property specialist joins MDL

MDL Marinas has appointed Colin Lambert Head of Estates as the UK marina operator continues to develop its portfolio of waterfront property and tenant businesses. The appointment was announced in September 2026 and is aimed at strengthening how operational and commercial needs are managed.

Lambert joins after more than twenty years at Savills, most recently as a director within its Licensed Leisure team. He is a chartered surveyor and registered valuer, bringing experience in commercial property and estate management.

Eighteen UK marina locations

MDL's network comprises eighteen UK marinas with offices, workshops, retail premises and other commercial units. These facilities form part of a wider environment used by yacht owners, visiting crews, service engineers and local maritime companies.

A marina can offer attractive berths but still be inconvenient if practical supplies and skilled trades are not accessible nearby. Managing commercial spaces effectively can help keep essential services available to people operating boats.

Supporting the waterfront tenants

Lambert's remit includes working with tenants, identifying opportunities for estate improvements and evaluating how property can accommodate the needs of marine businesses. He joins the team overseen by estates director Jonathan King.

Marina tenants may require workshop ventilation, secure deliveries, suitable power or direct access to lifting facilities. Those requirements differ from the priorities of ordinary high-street retail and need site-specific understanding.

Investment without disruption

Redeveloping commercial premises in a working marina can present logistical challenges because berths, boat movements and maintenance appointments must continue. Clear communication with tenants is needed before construction or alterations affect access.

An investment programme should be judged by completed improvements and the reliability of day-to-day operations, not just by the appointment of a new manager. Owners can ask how planned works will influence their berth or yard arrangements.

Relevance to 12–23.99m boats

Owners of mid-sized yachts frequently rely on local technicians and chandlers rather than a large permanent crew. A well-managed network of service businesses can make routine upkeep and more demanding repairs less disruptive.

The precise support at each of MDL's eighteen sites is different, so visitors should confirm haul-out capability, fuel, shore power and service access individually. A broad marina brand cannot guarantee identical facilities everywhere.

The appointment's immediate meaning

The new leadership position strengthens the estate-management team, but there is no confirmed change in the number of berths or in the services of every marina. Any forthcoming developments need to be reported when completed.

For LYG readers, the story illustrates how waterfront property strategy influences the practical ownership experience. Commercial spaces occupied by capable marine businesses are important parts of a functioning boating destination.