The development of a new 1,630 quay and manufacturing centre will create a hub for offshore wind farm developments in the region.

The planned investment in the Marine Energy Park follows the granting by Government of the latest Round 3 Offshore wind licences.

Humber is an ideal location for a manufacturing centre because of sailing times to the offshore wind sites.

The South Humber Gateway site also scores highly due to the size of the land available and its access to the last undeveloped deep-water channel in the UK.

Work on the design of the quay is well under way. It is hoped that approval for the large-scale infrastructure project, from the successor to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), will be forthcoming by March 2012. If this timescale is met, it is hoped construction on the quay will be complete by summer 2015.

Cllr Mark Kirk, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said the announcement of a new quay is a massive vote of confidence in northern Lincolnshire and the Humber.

He added:  “Of course there is a long way to go before we can be 100 per cent confident that the quay will be approved by the IPC or its successor.

“That said, there can be little doubt most areas of the country, including in the much more prosperous South East, are desperate for such a jobs boost.

“Today’s announcement has to be viewed as extremely positive and a real shot in the arm for our economy and for local people. This project will transform the area’s economic prospects.”

Anticipated Development Timescale

June 2010 Design finalised.

July 2010 main contractor appointed.

Q2 2011 formal Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) or its successor, submission.

Q1 2012 IPC or its successor approval

April 2012 Construction commences.

Q3 2013 First quay available.

Q2 2015 Construction completed.