WORK could start as early as next year on a 250-berth marina just north of Worcester, it has been revealed.

Buyers are being sought for a 62-acre site in Grimley, near Worcester, which has planning permission for a basin and mooring facilities.

Earlier this week marketing agent Mark Grimes, from Carver Knowles, revealed he was in negotiations with three interested buyers.

He added the project had "clearly caught the imagination".

"We're in the advanced stages of negotiations with two parties," said Mr Grimes, who works in the firm's Strensham office.

"Possibly a third is going to throw his hat in the ring later today. I must confess I've been pleasantly surprised by the strength of interest.

"It's an unusual project and an unusual property. You're never quite sure whether it's going to catch the imagination - quite clearly it has."

Mr Grimes said negotiations were "at or about" the £2m guide price. An additional £1m would be needed to develop the marina into a commercial enterprise.

Prospective buyers

He said two of the prospective buyers were UK based but were "out-of-towners". The third party is an overseas buyer.

Work on the marina, which has planning permission for 136 boats but could accommodate up to 250 vessels, could start as soon as the beginning of 2003.

"Certainly, the lead party wouldn't waste any time," said Mr Grimes.

"They'd want to crack on early in 2003. The other two parties, I don't really have a feel for their time scales."

The site, part of Retreat Farm, is close to Bevere Lock, on the River Severn.

The property also boasts a four-bedroom Georgian farmhouse and a three-bedroom cottage.

The former owner spent 10 years working on the concept but is now selling it to make time for other projects.

Dave Murray, head of development control at Malvern Hills District Council, confirmed there was planning permission for "a fairly large marina complex just north of the city".