Expected to open in 2025, the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre will transform Middle Dock – next to the Harland & Wolff shipyard – so that it features cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.
In addition to the University, the project has already received backing from a range of globally innovative partners, as well as government agencies such as the National Shipbuilding Office, and the University of Exeter.
The complex will be a catalyst for jobs and economic regeneration in the area, with forecasts indicating it could create around 90 jobs and bring an estimated injection of over £60 million into the local economy over the next 30 years.
A key role of the centre is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers with dedicated space set aside for education and engagement activities.
Working together with the two university research partners, Petroc – and the staff within its University Centre – will be driving a pipeline of courses to develop skills locally for roles in clean maritime, environmental management and preparing for the future green hydrogen deployment.
Local educational initiatives will work in tandem with regional partners under the banner of the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), in which the University of Plymouth is a partner, and international partners such as the Moroccan renewable college group IFMEREE.
The next phases will see the Innovation Centre’s design team, led by officers from Torridge District Council, progressing and finalising design proposals ready for a planning submission later in 2023.
The work will also include strengthening engagement with local and national key partners to ensure businesses are geared up and ready to move in as soon as the centre opens.
