PEEL Ports has outlined its vision for the port and industrial centre at Hunterston – and is urging North Ayrshire residents and businesses to have their say on potential uses for the site, which has been tipped to support over 1,700 jobs and add over £140 million in economic value to Scotland.
The company has set out how it intends to develop the site over the next 20 years. The details are contained in a masterplan, published at the beginning of a six-week consultation process.
The potential uses put forward in the plan include: a liquid natural gas terminal; combined cycle gas turbine power station; train manufacturing plant; modular manufacturing; concrete batching; marine construction and decommissioning; aquaculture; and plastics recycling and storage.
Andrew Hemphill, port director, Peel Ports Clydeport said, “No other single site in the UK offers Hunterston’s unrivalled combination of deep-water, extensive land area and transport links. This historic industrial site has the potential to transform Scotland’s prospects in a variety of key economic sectors, providing jobs, skills development, import and export opportunities for decades to come.
“The intended benefits that we have set out can only be achieved with the input of the local community, public sector agencies and commercial partners. That will help us to create a final version that reflects the shared ambitions of the people who live, work and invest in North Ayrshire.”
Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North commented, “Our young people need opportunities for high-quality, skilled jobs and I am determined to see those brought to Hunterston. It is a prime site for investment in infrastructure and attracting new companies that will provide such roles. Developing the site is also a one-in-a-generation chance for the region to lead the way with innovative and sustainable industries, potentially in the circular economy or renewable energy. One thing is for sure is that we much create a new future for employment in the region otherwise we will continue to see a drain of talent to Glasgow and beyond. I urge everyone with an interest in the health of North Ayrshire to read the masterplan and get involved in the debate.”
Due to the government changing its preferred energy policy from fossil fuels towards renewable resources, Hunterston Port’s role as a major importer of coal previously burnt in Scottish power stations, is now obsolete.
Peel Ports has worked with North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and businesses in preparing the masterplan and is now consulting with the public and others stakeholders about the next steps.
Karen Yeomans, executive director of Economy & Communities at North Ayrshire Council said, “This is exciting news and I’m delighted to see the masterplan unveiled to help unlock the vast potential held by the Hunterston site. We want North Ayrshire to be a vibrant, outward-looking and confident region that is an even better place to live for our communities and attractive to both investors and visitors, and these proposals will play a significant part of achieving that ambition.”
Copies of the masterplan are available online at www.hunterstonparc.com and for inspection at the offices of North Ayrshire Council.
