Work to start on multi-million pound windfarm operations plant in Wirral

The planned facility, built by DONG Energy, will be situated on currently disused land in King's Wharf, Seacombe and serve the firm's two offshore wind farms in the area.

Aerial view of planned windfarm operations plant

Up to 75 jobs will be created during the construction of the facility, while around 45 people will be permanently employed at the site once it is operational.

Construction work is due to start later in the year and is scheduled to be finished by mid-2017.

It will serve the existing Burbo Bank offshore wind farm and Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm, which is currently under construction.

News of the development was announced during the International Festival for Business 2016 in Liverpool.

The scheme has been developed through close co-operation with Wirral Council.

Dong Energy is a global leader in offshore wind.

Its UK chairman Brent Cheshire said: "We are building this fantastic new facility in Merseyside to serve our offshore wind farms in the area.

"DONG Energy is committed to investing in the UK and we are very proud to be playing an important role in the redevelopment of this part of Kings Wharf.

"The site offers excellent offshore access and flexibility, which is exactly what we need to efficiently operate and maintain our wind farms.

"It is great to confirm this significant investment during the International Festival for Business as well.

"The festival is really highlighting all the positive activity currently happening in the North West.”

Artist's impression of planned windfarm operations plant

Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Phil Davies, said: "This is another step towards establishing Wirral and the wider city region as a leading player in the renewable energy sector, and we look forward to further close partnership work with DONG Energy.

"The development will not only create jobs and bring new skills and expertise to the area in line with our Wirral Plan 2020 pledges; it regenerates a site in an important docklands location."

Vessels are expected to be operated from the Seacombe Mersey Ferries terminal.

Discussions are progressing with Merseytravel with a view to entering into a long-term agreement for shared use of the terminal to facilitate daily vessel access.

Frank Rogers, interim chief executive of Merseytravel, said: "We are continuing our positive conversations with DONG Energy over the potential to share facilities.

"We would welcome such arrangements as not only does it help reduce the cost of the Mersey Ferries to the public purse – one of the key aims of our 20 year Mersey Ferries strategy, it also supports a new employer for the region and the benefits that will bring."