Falmouth Docks & Engineering Company has secured almost £1m of funding to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The A&P owned docks, was awarded £973,292 from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund in order to inform potential redevelopment supporting the production of cleaner, affordable and secure energy from floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The assessment will indicate how potential modernisation of the dock infrastructure in the Cornish port could enable the Duchy to be at the forefront of the clean growth sector.
The EIA will also explore options for the managed expansion of Cornwall’s year-round cruise tourism offer. The assessments would include a range of socio-economic and environmental studies.
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Cornwall Council reported that the potential redevelopment of the site could underpin 'significant' employment opportunities if the results are positive and allow for projects to go ahead. The council said that previous economic analysis had forecast that the proposed developments could lead to at least 2,000 jobs over the next 10 years, and bring benefits for local assembly, maintenance and operations facilities.
Mike Spicer, managing director at A&P Falmouth, said: “Falmouth Port is a statutory harbour authority operated by Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company (FDEC). As such, A&P is committed to modernising the existing infrastructure to ensure the port can meet the changing demands which are placed upon it, which includes supporting the growth of floating offshore wind and growing cruise activity in Cornwall.
"Any plans to modernise the existing facilities will be dependent on the environmental impact of the proposed developments. The full Environmental Impact Assessment will consider these impacts and will determine the feasibility of any future plans for development.”
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for the economy, added: “Developing the floating offshore wind sector is a huge opportunity for Cornwall. It has the potential to bring significant benefits including boosting the economy, creating well paid jobs and contributing to Cornwall Council’s Net Zero and Energy Transition initiatives.
“I’m pleased to see that this funding will give A&P the opportunity to take a proactive approach to understanding the potential environmental impact of this new infrastructure proposal.”
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been allocated a total of £132m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which Cornwall Council says is being used to deliver growth for the region by supporting local investments that provide new opportunities.
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