THE manager of a new £1.7 million leisure and shopping centre at Mercia Marina hopes the development will attract tourists to the area.
The Boardwalk, which includes a farm shop, fashion stores, beauty salon and a restaurant, officially opened over the weekend.
And Robert Neff, general manager of the marina, said he hoped the development would entice people to see what is on offer in Willington.
He said: "We really wanted this development to make Mercia Marina a visitor destination.
"There is a lot for people to do here – fashion shops, bars, as well as a farm shop which uses all local produce.
"The site is beautiful and we want people to come and see the marina and the 24-acre lake that surrounds it."
The Boardwalk also includes four office units on the upper floor and an events area outside, in addition to space for six commercial boats.
More shops are expected to open before Christmas.
Over the weekend, a grand opening event was held, featuring street performers and magicians, live music, boat rides, children's entertainment and fireworks.
Visitors were also able to sample the new sensory garden and several nature and wildlife trails around the 74-acre site in Findern Lane.
Other entertainment included the Fairly Fresh Fish Company – a comedy duo which performed among the crowds – as well as the 1623 Theatre Company, a Shakespearean acting troupe which performed on a canal boat.
Last night, South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the close of the weekend's celebrations.
Mr Neff said the project had taken four years to deliver, including the past ten months of building work.
He said: "We're really pleased with the turnout and hope that people are impressed.
"A lot of people may never have been to Mercia Marina before but now is the time to see what we have here."
Jon Marianski, 61, who lives on a narrowboat at the marina, welcomed the new development.
He said: "The new centre is very nice and the bistro restaurant is a lovely place to eat.
"I absolutely love living here and I think the new centre will bring people from across the county to see what we have here."
Michael Euston, of Littleover, was at the event with his nine-year-old son, George.
He said: "We often come down to the marina for a walk around.
"The shops here are great, particularly the food shop, which has a nice delicatessen.
"The new part is great to help develop the area and bring it on."
