North Devon’s Disused Slipway to Undergo £1m Renovation

A disused slipway located in north Devon is slated for a £1m refurbishment, integrated into a broader shipbuilding initiative. This undertaking forms a component of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre initiative, spearheaded by Torridge District Council, with the goal of establishing itself as a global frontrunner in clean shipbuilding practices. The project secured financial backing from the government, provided through an agreement that involves the devolution of local services from Westminster. This £1m sum will supplement the £15.6m previously obtained by the centre in 2023. According to the district council, the planned work will expand the slipway’s width to accommodate vehicles, vessels, and pedestrians. Additionally, repairs are scheduled for the Harland and Woolf slipway wall, with expectations that these efforts will enhance access to the estuary. The district council stated that the allocated funding must be utilized by the conclusion of March 2025; otherwise, it will be subject to recall. Sean Kearney, who serves as the district council’s head of communities and place, expressed confidence that the majority of the funds could be expended within that timeframe, though talks were ongoing with the county council to evaluate potential extensions or adjustments. He further noted that upon completion of the work, the slipway would be fully accessible to the public, allowing individuals to use it as they choose. Construction on the centre is slated to commence in 2025, following the completion of the Quay Wall’s construction. The facility is anticipated to become operational in 2026.