FOCUS ON CORNWALL
ENTERPRISE ZONE STATUS COMING SOON
Marine Hub Cornwall will soon also include a multi-site Low Carbon Enterprise Zone, focusing on marine technology and renewables. From April 1 2017 the zone will promote the development of wave and floating wind technologies, while encouraging growth of the associated supply chain.
Businesses located in the Enterprise Zone will qualify for 100% business rates relief for five years. The zone also generates a ring-fenced income stream from reimbursement of rates from central government. These funds will be managed by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP and reinvested to support the development of the sector over the long term. The zone will include the Marine Renewables Business Park with office and industrial space available to let, as well as land available for development. Also included are parts of Falmouth Docks, which is already used for the assembly, deployment and recovery of devices to Wave hub and Fab Test and there will be an inland site at Tolvaddon near Camborne.
MARINE HUB CORNWALL AND THE FUTURE
Marine Hub Cornwall, launched at the Wave & Tidal Conference in London in February 2017, is about building on these solid foundations to take the Cornwall ‘offer’ to the next level and ensure that Cornwall remains the location of choice for technology and project developers who are serious about testing and commercialisation. The Hub, led by Cornwall Council on behalf of local partners, brings together Cornwall’s existing assets and expertise with new programmes of activity and funding opportunities (such as the recently announced £3.18m Marine-i Challenge Fund) to create a seamless, co-ordinated pathway for businesses, investors and researchers. Furthermore, Marine Hub Cornwall will have a vital role in ensuring that Cornwall’s offer keeps pace with innovation and technology development. This includes a concerted effort to attract floating developers in the coming year.
CREATING A CLUSTER
Marine Hub Cornwall will be co-ordinated from the Marine Renewables Business Park in Hayle which is already home to Wave Hub and Carnegie. The aim is to create a cluster of expertise in technology development and consenting. This cluster will be enhanced when the team managing the new Marine-i project, which involves partners from Exeter University, Plymouth University, Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company, Cornwall College and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, moves into one of the offices in the very near future.
Marine-i, is a £9.3m collaboration backed by £6.8 million of European Regional Development Fund investment to support marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
NEXT STEPS
Through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Marine Hub Cornwall is feeding into the Government’s national Industrial Strategy consultation to ensure that a pro-active regional approach to marine renewables is mirrored by a supportive national policy environment. Specifically, there needs to be a clear strategy to support the transition of the sector from R&D to commercialisation. Without this the UK risks losing its current competitive advantage.
Marine Hub Cornwall is ready and willing to work with other regions and national and international collaborators to maximise the benefits from investment in the sector to date.
Marine Hub Cornwall SCAN/CLICK
MORE INFO
www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk PAGE 17
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