Hopes high for jobs boost as £15m new maritime centre work begins

CONSTRUCTION has officially begun on the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, a major development aimed at putting Torridge at the forefront of green maritime technology.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Torridge District Council has confirmed that BAM Construction will serve as the main contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

The centre will feature workshops, office space, and collaboration facilities, along with new parking and improved slipway access.

The project is being delivered with funding support from the UK government through the Levelling Up Fund, the Community Regeneration Partnership, and the Devon and Torbay devolution deal. Devon County Council is overseeing the financial management.

Initial construction involves enhancements to the wall along New Quay Street, with full-scale building work set to start in the autumn.

Preliminary works began in April, including the creation of a new quay to improve estuary access.