Demolition works have begun ahead of the construction of a new £9m base for ScottishPower Renewables in Lowestoft.
Ipswich-based Tru Demolition have been contracted with demolishing the former TJ Pryce building in Trinity Road, which will make way for the almost 6,000m2 base for ScottishPower Renewables’ offshore wind operations.
Norfolk contractor R G Carter has been appointed to build the three-storey building in the new year, which will have capacity for around 100 staff.
It will include office and administration space, a control room and marine coordination centre, alongside a dedicated warehouse.
The spend means the power company’s investments in the East of England will surpass £100m.
Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore, said: “Lowestoft and the wider East Anglia region are the home and heart of our offshore wind operations in the UK.
“We’re not only operating, building and developing windfarms that will power cleaner and greener lives for millions of people for years to come, but – both directly and through our supply chain partners like R G Carter – we’re creating jobs, creating opportunities and creating a vibrant economy for the region.
“That’s the true measure of the success of our projects and the real and tangible economic legacy that will last for years to come.
“It’s great to welcome R G Carter on board and I look forward to work getting underway on our new base next year and bringing that legacy to life.”
The new facility will complement the nearby ScottishPower East Anglia ONE facility, which will continue to operate under its 30-year lease with Associated British Ports.
Alex Mackay, for R G Carter, said: “As a business with deep roots in East Anglia, we are proud to be supporting ScottishPower Renewables on this important investment in Lowestoft.
“Our commitment to building for the future has seen us deliver renewable energy projects for more than 20 years, and this project represents a fantastic opportunity for us to support the UK’s clean energy transition while creating lasting benefits for local communities.”
Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, added: “This is fantastic news for Lowestoft and another vote of confidence in our town’s growing role in Britain’s clean energy future.
“This investment by ScottishPower Renewables will bring skilled jobs, training opportunities and more people working in the heart of Lowestoft, helping to support our town centre shops, cafés and other local businesses.
“I welcome ScottishPower Renewables’ continued commitment to our town, and want to make sure local people are first in line for these opportunities, particularly young people looking to build careers in the energy sector.
“It’s vital that investment on this scale delivers lasting benefits for the people and businesses of Lowestoft.”
