Published on: 05 May 2022
Eco-friendly, self drive boat company opens brand new site in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace
Due to popular demand, eco-friendly, electric boat company GoBoat has opened a brand-new Birmingham location, its first site outside of the capital, with bookings now open to the public.
The new site, which opened on April 15, sees groups of up to eight guests charter the electric boats and set sail, exploring Birmingham’s famed canal network. Situated alongside the lively canalside development, Brindleyplace, in the Westside district of the city, GoBoat offers guests the opportunity to see the city from an entirely new perspective.
GoBoat is the perfect activity for friends and family alike, or for anyone looking to do something out of the ordinary and explore the midland city from the waters. Now guests can pack up a picnic, grab a bottle of prosecco and take to the open water, experiencing all that the area has to offer.
People can choose between one, two, or three-hour trips, enjoying a leisurely cruise, travelling at speeds of 4mph. The experience is both dog and child friendly with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided and no prior boating knowledge necessary, as staff give a full tutorial on land, before guests set sail and steer the boat.
This year promises to be a big one for both GoBoat and Birmingham, with the city hosting the Commonwealth Games in the summer, with the brand adding to the ever-growing, thriving urban hub in Brindleyplace, joining an array of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as local tourist attractions such as the contemporary art gallery, Ikon and the National SEA LIFE Centre.
As the weather improves, the brand is expecting a large influx of bookings and following on from the huge popularity in London last year (over 100k visitors), similar numbers are expected in Birmingham.
Grant Sweeney, co-owner of GoBoat said: “Birmingham has such a rich history with its waterways, and when we launched the business in 2017, we always wanted to expand across the UK and Birmingham has always been at the top of our list as a second home.
“And with the city linked so closely to its historic waterways, we couldn’t be more excited to launch in such a vibrant and thriving city. We can’t wait to bring ‘Brummies’ back onto the water, but importantly – in a sustainable and enjoyable way.
“Brindleyplace is the perfect location for us, it’s a vibrant hub within the city and we’re looking forward to becoming part of its growing family. We’re all very excited to see locals on the water, enjoying their amazing city from a new and exciting perspective.”
Matt Long, Head of Tenant Engagement and Placemaking at Brindleyplace said: “GoBoat is an established provider working in the boating leisure market, with a proven track record across a number of sites in London, and we’re tremendously excited to welcome them here to Brindleyplace and the heart of Britain’s canal network.
“With a variety of sites and points of interest to see from Brindleyplace, we’re sure that many of the millions of visitors to Brindleyplace every year will enjoy using this new amenity and way to see more of Birmingham.”
GoBoat ensures things are kept safe and within government guidelines:
- Eight people may book a GoBoat
- Every GoBoat is sanitised in between each trip
- Contactless payment only, booking ahead online is advised
- Contact-free check-in at the kiosk
The launch comes as GoBoat also announces the early reopening of their London sites (Paddington, Kingston and Canary Wharf), just in time for the spring weather, which is open for weekend bookings now.
Book your GoBoat experience at www.goboat.co.uk/birmingham
