MARINE HUB CONTRACT AWARDED

Kier has secured a construction contract for the second phase of the Oceansgate marine industry hub in Plymouth.

Phase two will see the creation of a new three storey office building and a further 15 light industrial units, which has the potential to create an additional 130 jobs. The buildings have been designed to be flexible, allowing for a range of sizes of industrial and office space, depending on businesses’ needs.

“Oceansgate is a fantastic development and one we’re really proud of," explained Plymouth City Council’s Councillor Tudor Evans. "It’s bringing more jobs and more investment to Plymouth and cementing our status as a leading location for marine industry in the UK.

“It’s a unique offering for businesses, with such close proximity to Princess Yachts, the Dockyard and Babcock, as well as to the in-and on-water testing opportunities offered out by Smart Sound Plymouth, a new proving ground for developing cutting edge technologies.”

Already thriving

The development’s first phase, which transformed disused MOD land in South Yard, Devonport, was completed in April 2018 and is now a base for eight businesses. These include the new Marine Business Technology Centre, as well as Lang & Potter Marine, international marine consultants MECAL and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Like Phase 1, the plans for Phase 2 include the use of natural building materials such as stone to ensure the development fits within its historic surroundings at South Yard.

The contract for constructing Phase 2 is worth £7.6m. This second phase of Oceansgate has been funded by a £2.25m grant from the European Regional Development Fund and a Plymouth City Council loan.