A renowned UK marine company has submitted detailed plans for a major expansion of facilities at their base.

Sunseeker International made the application for their Osprey Quay site in Portland to Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. This includes a new 4,200m2 boat building facility which will enable the company to meet future demand in producing high quality motor yachts.

The new building will provide enough space for the construction of a full range of boats including the 37-metre tri-deck yacht, recently unveiled at the London International Boat Show.

Sunseeker acquired the 11.5 acre site just over 12 months ago and has been using the existing facilities for a number of moulding and building projects. The new planned shipyard development will include new moulding and construction units and offices to replace the existing facilities which are currently not large enough to accommodate the shipbuilding process.

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Bruce Voss, Head of Regeneration for the South West RDA said: "The formal submission of planning by Sunseeker is a key milestone in the development of Osprey Quay.

"It further builds on the successful reputation of the marine sector in the South West, which contributes around £1 billion to the regional economy."

The company currently employs 100 people at the Osprey Quay site and this will increase to over 400 with the new development.

The scheme has been designed by Saunders Architects LLP, Southampton with a BREEAM 'very good' rating achieved through using innovative energy saving and generation features.

Work is also currently underway by the South West Regional Development Agency to improve the access slipway at Osprey Quay and enhance launching facilities – this is due for completion at the end of this month.

(JM)