PLANS for a 'world class' maritime knowledge hub forming part of Wirral Waters dockside regeneration have been submitted to the council.

If approved, work on Peel L&P's plans for a £25m centre of excellence focused on innovation, engineering, R&D, entrepreneurship and training within the heart of dockside would start next year.

The proposed hub would provide a 'high-level' industrial and maritime facility, supporting the region's £5bn maritime ecosystem where research and innovation will focus on making the most of the incredible opportunities decarbonisation of the global $3trillion maritime sector brings.

The plans also include business accelerator space and conference facilities for both the marine sector and business community.

The Maritime Knowledge hub would be set within the existing 19th century Hydraulic Tower building and Engine House

The architects have retained as much of the building's original character as possible, complementing the historical tower with the creation of a new four-storey extension to accommodate some of the country's most famous and innovative maritime organisations.

The preservation and protection of the grade-two listed structure has been integral to the design.

Peel say the facility will be industry-led and will drive research and innovation by bringing education, businesses and Government together within the UK's £50bn maritime sector.

Richard Mawdsley, director of development for Wirral Waters at Peel L&P, said: "This is a pioneering regeneration project which will offer so much to the UK's maritime sector.

"Wirral and the Liverpool City Region have a proud maritime heritage and the development of the Maritime Knowledge Hub will not only continue that heritage, but it also presents a fantastic opportunity for job creation and economic growth for the whole of the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

"The design of the Hub and the regeneration of the tower is very special with education, industry and culture at its very core.

"The tower is a very important local asset, full of history and heritage, and it's only right that it takes centre stage of the Wirral Waters regeneration project."

Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, said: "The maritime industry, and Mersey Maritime as the organisation that brings us together in the region, have been championing this project for more than a decade.

"Our commitment to it is resolute – it is really needed and now is the time to crack on with the work.

"This project speaks to the heart of the collaboration opportunities that drive our activity on a day-to-day basis and the timing couldn’t be better. With decarbonisation firmly on the agenda, with the next stage of the Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition about to get underway, we look set to maximise the opportunity it represents.

"Crucially, the project will deliver thousands of well-paid and high-quality jobs where they are needed most."