THE historic days when boats clustered around a busy Newcastle Quayside are set to be re-created in a scheme which has been floated with planners.

Plans have been lodged with Newcastle City Council to fix 31 floating pontoons to the Quayside walls between the Swing Bridge and the Millennium Bridge on the River Tyne.

The aim is to provide moorings for visiting yacht and other boat owners who would be able to access the heart of the city from their day or overnight riverside base.

It is also thought that the marina-style presence of boats will improve the Quayside scene and bring a buzz of activity to the river.

The scheme has come from business improvement district company NE1, which has also applied to the Newcastle-based Marine Management Organisation for approval.

The venture, which follows a feasibility study by One North East, is now in the first stages of public consultation.

Services such as water and electricity would be provided for visiting boats, with owners paying a mooring fee.

Talks with marinas around the North East produced an enthusiastic response from boat owners for the plans.

“This would be an opportunity for boat owners to visit a major regional capital and a place where there are few better river and bridges views to wake up to,” said NE1 commercial manager Stephen Patterson.

One of the inspirations for the scheme was the scene when the Tall Ships Race vessels berthed at the Quayside.

“Activity on the riverside has declined from the days when the Quayside was busy with loading and unloading boats,” said Mr Patterson.

“It is now an asset which is under-utilised and this would bring back some life and extra visitors who would be in very close proximity to the city’s amenities. It is making the most of Newcastle’s assets.”

The scheme also fits in with the wider picture of the Tyne’s increasing popularity as a destination for cruise liners.