Good progress made at Appledore Clean Maritime Centre Project as site clearance phase draws to a close

An update on progress with the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre was presented to Torridge District Councillors at the latest Full Council meeting on Monday 8 April 2024. The centre, which is expected to open in 2026, will provide a regional focus for cutting-edge research and commercialisation, working with academia, industry and government partners to build the clean maritime and green energy sectors in the region, from Floating Offshore Wind and clean propulsion through to seaweed and environmental intelligence.  The complex, which received £15.6m of funding from the governments Levelling Up Fund*, will also incorporate a range of offices and flexibly designed workshops to support businesses to innovate.

The site has now been cleared of all remaining structures and the original foundations to the former mill buildings have been processed and certification secured to allow re-use of the material on site in later building work. The original warehouse building was fully recorded before demolition and the salvaged stonework has also been cleaned and stockpiled on site for re-use.  

The next steps for the project will include the preparation of a detailed planning application which is expected to go before plans committee in the Summer and the formal appointment of the main contractor. A new quay wall is expected to be built in the Autumn of 2024.

Lead member for Economy and Estates, Bob Hicks commented:

"It's very exciting to see that we are now well and truly on our way to delivering this cutting-edge project, which sees the transformation of a site with a proud maritime heritage into an innovative space which will pave the way for a clean maritime future.  Not only will this facility put us at the forefront of meaningful action against the climate and ecological crisis that affects us all, the benefit to jobs and income for the area will be a huge boost for both Torridge and the wider Devon economy."

The project continues to receive strong industry and government support, with mentions at a range of high-profile events, ranging from the London International Shipping Week through to the Connected Places Summit. To find out how your business can get involved or to join the newly formed North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network please get in touch by registering for latest updates via this link - Register for updates!

09 April 2024