A new vision for transforming the Port of Workington into a bustling hub for energy production, manufacturing and logistics industries has been unveiled.
Cumberland Council, who own and manage the port, has produced a new prospectus aimed at attracting new investment to the site. The document, called Building the future: A catalyst for growth on the Energy Coast, outlines the various opportunities at the port and highlights the multi-million investment already taking place there and in surrounding areas.
The prospectus will be one of the key items showcased by the council at UKREiiF - the UK's Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum which is being held in Leeds next week.
More than £25 million has been invested by the Government and council in activities directly related to the port, improving things such as infrastructure, road access and warehouse capabilities. This includes £4.5 million of investment via the Workington Town Deal at Oldside remediating contaminated land, with the aim of it being a location to create a clean energy and logistics hub, promoting employment opportunities.
The port currently handles around 300,000 tonnes of cargo each year as well as housing several prominent businesses in sectors such as construction and renewable energy.
The document outlines a number of key opportunities at the port, including:
It’s ideally positioned to support the nuclear industry
Land at nearby Oldside could be available to the local manufacturing supply chain and it’s also desirable to offshore wind development
The capability for the production of clean energy and/or hydrogen power
It’s a great location for a green logistics hub
The site is already well on its way to becoming a self-sufficient, green port
Leader of the council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said: “The Port of Workington can be a catalyst for growth in Cumberland; it is a strategic location in west Cumbria with a huge amount of untapped potential for job creation, green energy production and more.
“Want to partner with other organisations and the private sector to help unlock the potential for this site and we’re actively talking to parties at the moment to bring in that crucial investment.
“A huge amount of work has already been done, or is underway, to improve vital infrastructure at the port and we believe it is ideally placed for the right businesses to come on board. If you are a business who is interested, come and talk to us.”
