Work is due to start next month on constructing a £21.4m offshore energy campus in Great Yarmouth.

Demolition works on the South Denes peninsula were carried out last year to prepare the site for development.

The construction stage will see 190m of river quay refurbished and upgraded, along with the creation of new vessel pontoons and delivery of a revised road layout and associated infrastructure to optimise the land available for future development.

Commissioned by Norfolk County Council, the £21.4m partnership project is a collaboration with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and seeks to capitalise on the well-established offshore renewables sector off the east coast and the enterprise zone that covers sites in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Subject to final planning conditions being met, the work is due to be carried out on the borough council-owned land from the start of April by contractors Tilbury Douglas.

Graham Plant, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council and cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: “The offshore energy sector provides Great Yarmouth and Norfolk with arguably the single most important economic opportunity for a generation.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Graham Plant, deputy leader at the county council Picture: NewsquestGraham Plant, deputy leader at the county council Picture: Newsquest (Image: Jamie Honeywood)

"Oil and gas has been a mainstay of the local economy for over 50 years and the recent emergence of offshore renewables has presented Great Yarmouth’s port, its supply chain and its skills base with the chance of enjoying hugely significant growth and investment."

Carl Smith, borough council leader, said: "Alongside a series of major recent investments across the town, this infrastructure investment will provide further potential for the borough, positively impacting local businesses and offering job opportunities to residents as Great Yarmouth’s regeneration and economic growth continues to develop.” 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Borough council leader Carl SmithBorough council leader Carl Smith (Image: Newsquest)

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership secured £6m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund for the project.