Long-standing councillor and former mayor Les Sims has confessed he "doesn't like the boat house" and fellow Wisbech Town councillor Richard Fulcher agreed.

"I can honestly say I just don't like the boat house. It has been built for a few," said Mr Sims.

Mr Fulcher agreed: "I don't like the development and the amount it has cost. We are now on the verge of economic disaster and we are spending £4.1 million on the boat house. I think we should get our priorities right. When we have homeless I think we should have built the homes first," said Mr Fulcher.

Gary Garford, corporate director with Fenland Council, said he was "disappointed" with this response and explained the development is for the whole community.

He said the design is modern but the aim is for the flagship development to put Wisbech on the map.

Mr Garford said interest has already been shown in the high-spec offices with seven inquiries in the first week it has been viewable.

"It not for the few but for the community of Wisbech. It will have 120 businesses, people who will hopefully bring fledgling businesses, knowledge-based businesses, to Wisbech. There are conference suites and training facilities for the community to use and we hope to attract local and regional conferences.

"There is a gallery on the ground floor to be used by schools and art clubs, the yacht club will use the building. We hope it will be the hub for Wisbech and something to be proud of," said Mr Garford.

The development with 300 homes, shops and cafes has succumbed to the economic climate but Mr Garford said this will be looked at again in the new year with the aim of re-packaging it.

Mr Garford said developers Taylor Wimpey are like many other builders and have been hit by the credit crunch. "The housing will still happen and hopefully from next year in the five year period we have planned," said Mr Garford.

Councillor Roger Green said he was impressed with the boat house, believing it signals a "new and bright dawn" for Wisbech and he predicted it would attract more visitors.

Councillor David Wheeler said he was disappointed some members didn't like the boat house and he reminded members about the handskill jobs being generated at the port.

Mr Garford said councillors and the public will be given a chance to look round the boat house, hopefully in November. He commented on the development of the marina and how this is attracting tourists and jobs.

Mr Garford gave details of how many boats have used the harbour and the boat lift, boats are being serviced and the port is getting a reputation in East Anglia for its marina facilities. The slipway will be complete by the end of year allowing 150 ton vessels to be accommodated. He said skill levels are being raised and jobs created.

"Hopefully it is the beginning of a new marine sector in Wisbech," said Mr Garford.

The whole Nene Waterfront Regeneration project has been possible with funding from various partners.