South Korean steel manufacturer SeAH Wind has gained planning approval for its £300m Teesside offshore wind turbine foundation factory.
The 344,000 square metre facility will produce monopiles up to 120 metres in length, 15.5 metres in diameter and weighing 3000 tonnes at the Teesside Freeport.
It will see the creation of 1500 supply chain and construction jobs when work begins in July, along with a further 750 roles when the site is fully operational.
When fully operational, it is expected to produce between 100 and 150 monopiles a year that will be transported directly from the factory to Teesworks’ new South Bank Quay facility before heading to the North Sea for installation using specialised pile driving equipment.
Comprising the new 93,324 square metre main monopile manufacturing building, a 3873 metre square administration office, maintenance station, paint facility and site-specific power stations.
The plant will also include a range of staff welfare facilities.
Ashton Smith Associates designed the plant, while K2 Consultancy is the project and construction manager and cost consultant.
K2 has engaged a multi-disciplinary team including Ashton Smith Associates acting as architects, together with Clarkebond as civil, structural and geo-environmental engineers, and building services engineers, Waterman Group.
K2 director of project management Nick Coke said: “This is a tremendously exciting project for us building on our strong experience in the industrial manufacturing sector.
“It gives us the opportunity to deliver a market-leading, world-class and pioneering facility that will kick-start much needed regeneration on Teesside.
“This brings some fresh challenges as the project requires us to deliver for a Korean client new to the UK.
“In order to fast-track the project and to allow SeAH to speed their product to market, we are leveraging our expertise in construction management, allowing work to start on site at the earliest opportunity.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a fantastic step forward for SeAH Wind’s game-changing scheme. The first job has been advertised, the plans have been approved and now spades can get in the ground in just a matter of weeks.
“2022 is our year of construction there’s nothing holding back plans for this mammoth facility, helping drive forward the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future.”
Waterman managing sirector for building services in the north Jonathan Purcell said: “We are delighted to see this exciting scheme now submitted for planning approval.
“SeAH Wind’s sustainable manufacturing facility will help secure the north-east’s position as an alternative energy powerhouse, whilst providing an employment boost to the local region.
“This project is an exciting addition to our industrial portfolio which incorporates several alternative energy schemes including wind turbine blade and marine turbine cable factories, along with a range of other complex fabrication and manufacturing facilities across the UK.”