Construction work has begun on the £6.5m, Olympic facilities at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) at Osprey Quay in Dorset. The Academy will host both the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events during the London 2012 Olympics.

Construction company, Dean & Dyball, will build a new150m slipway which is accessible in all states of wind and tide, while two launching cranes suitable for use by disabled sailors and a 75-berth mini marina will also be added.

The project is being overseen by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and funded by Sport England, the South West of England Regional Development Agency with support from Dorset County Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council. Completion is planned for the end of 2008.

Jane Henderson, chief executive of the South West RDA -– owners of the Osprey Quay site, said: “The 2012 Games is forecast to inject £1.7bn into the economy of the South-West. Our aims is to regenerate Osprey Quay as a global centre for sailing excellence and a magnet for the leisure and marine industries.”

The South West Regional Development Agency is also funding a new 550-berth commercial marina next to WPNSA. The new facility will have 250 dinghy spaces and will be built in time for the 2009 sailing season.