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Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

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Why you would live in Queensway Quay, Gibraltar.

It’s the stylish marina, the quieter marina, the calmer marina. Queensway Quay competes with Ocean Village as the favourite marina living experience.

Queensway Quay Marina, Gibraltar

The impressive Ragged Staff Wharf fronts the quayside of Queensway Quay Marina. It is thought to be the oldest wharf in Gibraltar, built by the Spanish and further developed by the British in 1736. Taylor Woodrow developed the site that exists today, building Ordnance Wharf at the south of the marina, Ragged Staff Wharf along the western edge and Cormorant Wharf, to the north of Ragged and facing west. Construction started in 1990. Some twenty years later, Marina Properties reclaimed 13,000 square metres of land in the form of a breakwater and built nineteen semi-detached properties, known as The Island, to virtually enclose (other than for boat access) the marina of some 185 berths. The same developer added forty eight up-market apartments soon after on further reclaimed land which forms the northerly side of the marina. Ordnance, Ragged, Cormorant and The Sails all have a communal pool. Each property on the Island boasts its own pool, whilst access to this most exclusive development is through a gated entrance with 24/7 security. Until recently, The Island has had little competition for its reputation as the most sought after (or at most least highly priced) residential address.

The popularity of Queensway Quay for property owners and tenants arises from location, restaurants, views and overall lifestyle. Sitting between the naval dockyard and Coaling Island, occupants can easily walk into town or access their place of work at Eurotowers or Europort. Morrison’s is a ten minute walk or a short drive. However, the lure of the restaurants reduces the desire to go food shopping. Waterfront, Le Bateau, The Landings, Casa Pepe and the Lounge adorn the waterside and allow for al fresco dining watching the sun set to the west. Each of these establishments would make a claim for inclusion in any list of the top restaurants in Gibraltar.

Where the views from the restaurants are good, the views from the properties are arguably better. The Sails face into the marina and due south from their expansive terraces. The Strait and the Bay of Gibraltar provide the splendid landscape from the higher floors of Ragged and Cormorant apartments. Ordnance has its back to the south, facing due north into the marina, opposite the Sails.

The marina is not on the beaten track of the average tourist, and some restaurant owners would relish greater signage. Residential occupants do not have any trouble with this, preferring their neighbourhood to be frequented by fellow residents and locals. The atmosphere is friendly. Visitor parking is a challenge. The area lacks a convenience store. The original copper pipes need upgrading. But from an estate agency perspective, Queensway Quay remains a firm favourite for locals and newcomers alike.

Contributed by Mike Nicholls