UK’s port operator Peel Ports has revealed its plans for the major port and industrial center at Hunterston, one of Scotland’s most important development sites.
The company has published its vision for Hunterston and how it intends to develop the site over the next twenty years. The details are contained in a master plan, published on May 16 at the beginning of a six-week consultation process.
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— Peel Ports (@PeelPorts) May 17, 2019
Peel Ports is calling on North Ayrshire residents and businesses to share their opinions about potential uses of the site which comprises a 300-acre brownfield footprint, deepwater, and rail connections.
“No other single site in the UK offers Hunterston’s … 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,” Andrew Hemphill, Port Director, Peel Ports Clydeport, commented.
“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,” he added.
“Developing the site is also a … chance for the region to lead the way with innovative and sustainable industries, potentially in the circular economy or renewable energy… I urge everyone with an interest in the health of North Ayrshire to read the masterplan and get involved in the debate,” Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, said.
In recent years, the government has changed its preferred energy policy from fossil fuels towards renewable resources. The result is Hunterston Port’s role, as a major importer of coal previously burnt in Scottish power stations, is now obsolete.
Peel Ports has already worked with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and many businesses in preparing the master plan and is now consulting with the public and others stakeholders about the next steps.