News Time-Lapse of Campbell Wharf Marina

OUR first time-lapse video from Campbell Wharf documents the impressive development of a 111-berth marina by Crest Nicholson.

Opened in May 2019 following a 45-week construction programme, the new marina was developed alongside the Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP).

We worked closely with Crest Nicholson throughout this time, to provide focused capture of the works, starting with identify optimum locations for the dual time-lapse camera systems used. As the under-used land developed into a fully functioning marina, the first of these remotely managed systems captured the development in detail.

By using our own dedicated control software, we micro-managed uninterrupted time-lapse capture throughout, helping to reveal how the marina was shaped from 110,000m³ of Oxford clay excavated from the housing side of the development, how 500 metres of sheet piling was installed, and how 25,000 cubic metres of water from the Grand Union Canal was used to fill the marina. We also increased capture rates to record other key events, including the installation of a bespoke footbridge as well as the construction of the high specification marina building.

The second camera system on-site continues to capture the residential side of the Campbell Wharf development, as pictured above, due for completion next year.

The time-lapse footage from the marina construction has recently been released by Crest Nicholson, showing the construction of Campbell Wharf Marina to promote and publicise the spectacular marina transformation. They, alongside development partners Evans Jones, have also used the still images from our camera systems throughout the project to communicate developments to the public and press.

Campbell Wharf Marina is part of a wider development by Crest Nicholson that includes 383 new homes, a cafe, a restaurant, and a new McMullen & Sons pub. This canal-side destination, with new and improved pedestrian and waterway access, provides a whole new offering for Milton Keynes, as well as, with direct access, users of the Grand Union Canal.

Time-Lapse Systems have been privileged to document this waterside transformation and we will continue to capture the progression of the wider canal-side development. Our work has become an essential tool for the construction industry, providing a detailed visual record of every stage of a project. By capturing high-resolution images at regular intervals, time-lapse allows project teams, clients, and stakeholders to monitor progress remotely, reducing the need for site visits and improving communication. This consistent visual record supports project management by identifying milestones, reviewing build sequences, and helping to resolve potential disputes through verifiable documentation.

Time-lapse footage is also valuable for reporting and compliance, as it can be used to demonstrate adherence to schedules, health and safety procedures, and environmental standards. The resulting edited film offers a clear, concise way to share complex construction processes with a wider audience, including investors, local authorities, and the public. For marketing and public relations, time-lapse videos present a compelling story of development, highlighting the work of contractors and partners involved.

By combining reliable camera technology, secure hosting, and expert editing, we deliver construction time-lapse services that meet industry needs and provide long-term value. This approach turns complex builds into accessible visual records that inform, engage, and support future planning.