CONSTRUCTION has finished on a brand new offshore wind farm operations base in Seacombe.

The keys were officially handed over to DONG Energy on Thursday, August 3 for the multi-million pound Kings Wharf facility which will serve both Burbo Bank windfarm and Burbo Bank Extension which opened in May this year.

Combined these windfarms have enough capacity to power more than 310,000 homes each year.

Around 75 people were employed during the construction phase which began in August 2016 and once fully operational around 45 people will be permanently based at the site.

The two-storey building, built by Robertson, will be used for the storage of materials and equipment required for the ongoing maintenance of the wind farms, as well as office facilities and parking for staff.

A new ladder on the quay wall will enable boats to 'push on' directly, allowing easy access for technicians to board.

Lee Rollason, head of Burbo Bank operations, said: “Having operated out of Liverpool for over ten years DONG Energy is committed to investing in the North and this state of the art facility is another example of that.

"To have both our windfarms operating from here makes complete sense in terms of efficiencies and the site has excellent access offshore.

"We are proud to be operating from an important docklands location.

“As a local resident, I’m certainly pleased with the part we’ve had to play in regenerating this area.

"We’ve spent around £100,000 on the public pathway in front of the facility and it’s great to see the community using this space already and receive positive comments from people appreciating this beautiful view of the Mersey.”