Torridge District Council appoints main contractor for Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre

Torridge District Council has announced it has appointed BAM Construction to act as the main contractor for the delivery of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre.  The Centre has been partly funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Community Regeneration Partnership and funding from the UK Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal, managed by Devon County Council.

Torridge District Council has been working with BAM to progress and finalise the designs for the Centre, which will include workshops, offices and collaboration space together with parking facilities and improved access to the slipway.  The Centre is expected to be completed in 2026.

Initial works will involve making improvements to the wall adjoining New Quay Street before works to construct the building commence in the Autumn.  Early enabling works to deliver a new quay to provide improved access for users of the building to the estuary, commenced onsite in April.  A kind spring has allowed the project to progress at pace. 

BAM Construction is looking to use local contractors and businesses wherever possible.  In October, a 'Meet the Buyer' event was held in Appledore in October 2024. Since then, several local suppliers have joined the project's supply chain and will contribute during the main construction phase. The team continues to engage with local businesses to ensure opportunities remain accessible throughout the build.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"This is a very exciting step in the journey of this project, not just for Appledore, but for the wider district.  We hope that the delivery of this centre will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy.  By getting as many local trades people involved in the build as possible, we hope that this will be just the start of future job creation and investment in the area."

Andy Syddall, Construction Manager, BAM Construction, said:

"This is more than a construction project - it's about creating opportunities that last well beyond the build. Throughout the project, BAM will generate an additional £2 million in local social economic value through working with local businesses, supporting apprenticeships and employment opportunities, and engaging with local schools and charities. We're delighted to be working with Torridge District Council to bring this vision to life and help deliver long-term investment, skills and innovation to the South West."

Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, MP for Torridge and Tavistock, said:  

"I am delighted to see the rapid progress being made in realising the ambition of the Levelling Up Partnership (now rebadged the Community Regeneration Partnership) awarded to Torridge by the last Government, which is to invest in communities like ours that have missed out on public investment over many years. The £15.6 million invested by the last Government into this Maritime Innovation Centre, and the allocation of millions more into projects such as the Holsworthy Agri-Business Hub, Bideford's Pannier Market, Business Park and Hospital, and the Globe and Hatchmoor Industrial Estate in Torrington, will create new opportunities for our young people and boost our economy. I congratulate Torridge District Council, and all those involved, for their good work so far in realising these aims."

June 26