Posted on June 10, 2026
By Anna Cummins
San Diego’s Harbor Island West Marina has marked the start of construction on a $70m redevelopment project that will upgrade marina infrastructure and increase public access along the bayfront.
Representatives from the development team, the Port of San Diego and project partners attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the marina to mark the beginning of work on the waterfront site.
“This is an exciting step forward in San Diego Bay’s continued transformation,” says Eric Leslie, chief executive of Beauchamp Leslie Development & Management. “Alongside our community partners, we’re focused on creating an anchor waterfront destination that will allow boaters and the public to experience the bay with improved access and more comfortable, modern amenities.”
Beauchamp Leslie has leased and operated the Harbor Island West Marina property at 2040 Harbor Island Drive from the Port of San Diego since 1981. The company is undertaking the redevelopment under a new 50-year lease agreement.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents an investment in the future of San Diego Bay and our shared waterfront,” says chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The Harbor Island West Marina revitalisation modernises important infrastructure while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the bay through expanded public access and waterfront experiences. Projects like this help ensure our waterfront remains welcoming and accessible for generations to come.”
The redevelopment covers 3.8 acres (1.54 hectares) of land and 22 acres (8.9 hectares) of water. Plans include updated marina facilities, additional public access areas and new waterfront amenities.
Once complete, the marina will have 623 slips for vessels ranging from 20ft to 140ft (6m to 43m). Other planned additions include a boater lounge, fitness centre, pool, spa, a publicly accessible waterfront promenade and viewing deck, along with approximately 16,000 square feet (1,490sqm) of commercial space.
“Harbor Island has long been an iconic part of San Diego’s waterfront, and this revitalisation helps ensure it continues serving boaters, visitors, and our community for generations to come,” says vice chair Michael Zucchet, a San Diego appointee to the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Projects like Harbor Island West Marina demonstrate that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand by modernising waterfront infrastructure in a way that supports sustainability, recreation, and the long-term health of San Diego Bay.”
Bellingham Marine is responsible for waterside works, including new dock systems, utility upgrades and marina infrastructure improvements. Pacific Building Group is leading landside construction, which includes the boater lounge, fitness centre, public viewing deck and waterfront promenade. AO is serving as the project’s architecture, design and planning firm.
Construction will take place in phases, with marina operations and access maintained where possible throughout the redevelopment programme.
