Torridge District Council has voted unanimously to demonstrate its commitment to the ambitions of the Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre to help inspire young people and best support early-adopter innovators within the facility.
As construction nears completion, with the Centre due to open in early 2027, the focus remains on maximising its long-term economic, social and community impact.
This will include; an initial skills and outreach programme of events for local primary and secondary schools; support marketing and awareness campaigns in 2027/28; to fit out one of the 6 workshops to ensure that innovators can have easy access on a short-term tenancy and remove blockages to growth; a tenant incentivisation fund to support new businesses into the facility and a manager role to look after the day-to-day management of the site and help build an effective working community.
A core objective of the investment is to create a centre that supports innovation, enterprise, skills development and higher-value employment opportunities, while tackling long standing social mobility challenges. Working in partnership with key regional and national bodies in the maritime world through its strategic advisory board, (members include the National Shipbuilding Office, University of Plymouth, National Composites Centre and Royal Navy), the centre aims to become a focal point for business collaboration, education, skills development and community engagement. It is hoped that it will help local people of all ages access the opportunities arising from growth in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:
“The Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Torridge’s economic future. From the outset it has always had a twin goal – to create a positive impact for the local economy and community but also to inspire the next generation.
“Now that the capital project is nearing completion, we are excited to move to the next phase of business occupation, ecosystem development and delivering real benefits to the local community. This additional funding will ensure that the Centre opens successfully, attracts businesses, engages local communities and schools, supports skills development and creates the conditions necessary to achieve the economic and social outcomes envisaged when £15.6m of Levelling Up Fund investment was secured.”
Paul Coles, Chair of the Torridge Place Board and Chief Executive of South West Business Council, said:
“I would like to praise the hard work of all those involved to bring the centre forward as what will be a hugely important component of the South West’s maritime infrastructure. The Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre presents a unique opportunity to create long term change and impact. With the right tenants we can create wider supply chain opportunities, increase skills impacts, aspiration and further clustering and growth, whilst also supporting the great work of existing local partners and businesses.”
