Work is now well underway on a project that aims to create hundreds of new jobs on Portland after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Contractors are on site at the former Mere Tank Farm where the land will be used firstly to host the Games and then be developed for future employment space. The work is being managed by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.
It is the latest stage in the transformation of Osprey Quay on Portland where the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency) is investing around £40 million to create a centre of marine business and leisure activity.
The 10-acre Mere Tank Farm site occupies a prominent position at the entrance to Portland. It was cleared of oil tanks last year, having been bought by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council from Portland Port using funding from the South West RDA.
At the moment, contractor BAM Nuttall is carrying out remediation and excavation works before constructing a road to link the development to other existing units and a public highway. The team will also install services for future development, and demolish an existing building to accommodate the construction of a car park area for the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).
Alison Hatcher, Head of Regeneration for Wessex at the South West RDA, said: “The Mere Tank Farm development forms part of the continuing regeneration of Osprey Quay to unlock the business potential by creating serviced employment sites that will be attractive to marine related businesses. Before the site is developed, the land will be used on a temporary basis for hosting the 2012 sailing events - this will raise the profile of Portland as a marine and leisure destination and business location.”
Clive Langdown, Project Manager for BAM Nuttall Ltd, added: “Excavation work has started and the process has begun on the remediation of the old oil storage depot on Osprey Quay. We are working in partnership with the South West RDA to complete this exciting regeneration scheme by April next year, putting in place roads and service infrastructure ahead of the Games, when the eyes of the world will focus on Weymouth and Portland.”
Simon Williams, General Manager for Regeneration and Sustainability at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, commented: “This exciting project is the latest step in the regeneration of Osprey Quay. Developing the Mere Tank Farm site in this way after the Olympics will ensure that the legacy of 2012 stays with Weymouth and Portland long after the Games. Provision of further employment space will also benefit the area by having the potential to draw in a broader business and skills base.”