OFFICIALS from Liverpool City Region had the chance to explore an operations base which serves the Burbo Bank and Burbo Bank Extension wind farms.

Offshore wind farm developer Ørsted, formerly DONG Energy, welcomed the likes of Mayor of Wirral councillor Anne McLachlan and leader of Wirral Council, cllr Phil Davies to its Kings Wharf operations base on Friday, December 1.

They were met by Matthew Wright, UK Managing Director at Ørsted who gave an overview of the business' presence in the North West, before they toured the brand new operations base.

Cllr Davies said: “Wirral has a hard fought and deserved reputation as a centre of excellence for clean energy manufacturing and innovation.

"This latest developments show the growing confidence global businesses have in our borough’s ability to deliver.

“Wirral as part of the City Region has gained the Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering designation, the only such designation on the west coast of England, yet further proof of our position at the centre of this growing industry.

“Ørsted have created jobs and brought new skills and expertise to the area, creating a first-rate new facility on our waterfront.

"It is fantastic news for the entire Liverpool City Region to have a market-leading clean energy organisation opening a flagship new site in our area.

“All over our region we are seeing exciting, transformational regeneration plans coming to fruition – seeing a global organisation such as Ørsted choose Wirral as their newest base is clear, unequivocal proof that our economic plans are working.”

The state-of-the-art facility opened earlier this year and employs 45 full-time staff.

The building is used for the storage of materials and equipment required for the ongoing maintenance of the wind farms, as well as office facilities for staff.

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

Managing director Ørsted UK Matthew Wright said: “We’ve been operating out of the North West for over ten years now and have invested billions of pounds in the area.

"However, our presence in the community extends much wider than operating our business from here.

“We have partnered with Teach First to engage and inspire young people in schools across Merseyside.

"Our community benefit fund has helped local organisations and community groups in the area and we also support the New Brighton life boat station.

“It was great to meet the people in the Liverpool area working to make things happen, and have the opportunity to tell them about our activities here and discuss ways to work together.

"We’re proud to be part of this great region’s community and economy.”