Work began on a new £23 million (=USD 30,3 million) redevelopment project that will transform the Portsdown Technology Park into a UK Maritime Centre of Excellence. The Centre will focus on innovation with the development of futuristic maritime missions systems for the Royal Navy.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, Penny Mordaunt, joined the event on Friday, along with the project partners, defence firm QinetiQ and Solent LEP.
As part of its partnership with the Royal Navy, QinetiQ announced last March investment of over £18m in a brand new building expected to increase the site’s capacity and transform it into a UK Centre of Excellence for Maritime Mission Systems. The investment was supported by a further £5m Local Growth Fund investment from the Solent LEP.
[The investment] will transform the Tech Park, boost business, inspire a new generation, forge international partnerships and help secure of the position of Global Britain as THE maritime nation,
…said on the occasion Ms. Mordaunt.
Acting as an Innovation and Collaboration hub, the Centre is expected to offer opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to attract the best local talent and develop Maritime Mission System offerings for UK and International markets, QinetiQ explained.
According to Cllr Donna Jones, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, the investment from QinetiQ and the Solent LEP will help cement the Solent region’s position as a hub for expertise in the marine and maritime sector.
This investment delivers a step change in the Solent Region’s ability to export to the world’s marine and maritime defence markets, with a range of capabilities unparalleled in the UK,
…said Steve Fitz-Gerald, QinetiQ Managing Director, Maritime, Land & Weapons.
