On 10 May 2016, Cllr. Ian Endean proudly cut the ribbon officially opening the Pontoon. He was accompanied by Bernard Jenkin, MP, Cllr. Neil Lodge and Cllr. Kevin Read.

The sun shone and it was a great day for the Wivenhoe community and its wonderful asset, the river Colne.

This facility was two years in the planning and was in response to the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan's community questionnaire, which highlighted a demand for more public access to the river.

Funds of £64,000 came from a variety of sources, including the town, borough and county councils, site developers, the Town Mayor's fund, the Wivenhoe Society and community fundraising events.

A reception was held afterwards at the Wivenhoe Sailing Club.