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The first tenants to move into  Oceansgate  have been announced at the official opening ceremony for Phase 1.

Surejust, Trend Marine and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be the first to move into the new development in Devonport, Plymouth.

Oceansgate is transforming disused Ministry of Defence land in South Yard into the UK’s first marine enterprise zone and it has been designed with the needs of marine businesses in mind.

Phase 1 has seen the creation of office and industrial space totalling 2,600 square metres with space for up to 21 businesses. Phase 1 was funded by £1.5m from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal funding; a loan of £5m from the HotSW LEP’s Growing Places Fund and £1.2m from Plymouth City Council.

The new buildings, Endeavour House and Endurance Court, were formally opened today by Council Leader Ian Bowyer.

Councillor Bowyer said: “Oceansgate is an absolutely fantastic development for Plymouth and having seen all the hard work put in by the team, I am delighted to be able to officially open Phase 1.

“The first three tenants, all of them marine related businesses, will be moving in very soon. As Britain’s Ocean City, we’re committed to ensuring growth and development in the sector and maximising the potential of our wonderful city.”

Chris Garcia, chief executive at the HotSW LEP said: “Oceansgate is one of our success stories in the LEP’s portfolio of Growth Deal and Growing Places funded projects.

“The official opening of Phase 1 confirms Oceansgate’s status as a world-class centre for the marine sector, and as one of the Heart of the South West’s Enterprise Zones.

“I welcome our first tenants to the new buildings at Oceansgate and wish them every success in their new ventures. Their investment signifies market confidence in this globally significant Enterprise Zone, and I look forward to further phases of the development taking shape.”

Surejust and Trend Marine are both suppliers to Princess Yachts and will each be occupying an industrial unit in Phase 1. The new location will enable them to provide even better service to Princess Yachts and develop new business opportunities in the South West.

Manufacturing company Surejust specialises in equipment used by the marine industry, including boilers and expansion tanks, whilst Trend Marine is an industry leading manufacturer producing marine glass and glazing products especially designed for yachts and super yachts.

The MCA is responsible for implementing maritime safety legislation and preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea. The MCA is moving to Oceansgate as part of its Survey and Inspection Transformation Programme and a commitment to retain a Marine Office in Plymouth.  The future development plans for the dockyard and Oceansgate will ensure that the MCA resources are embedded at the heart of the maritime community they serve.

Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: “Britain’s Ocean City continues to flourish with the new Oceansgate development bringing businesses, jobs and economic growth to the local area. Government’s Local Growth funding continues to play a vital role in facilitating the transformation of this disused land into a key hub for marine businesses and the wider community.”

The Oceansgate buildings have been designed to reflect the historic nature of South Yard and natural materials such as stone feature heavily. Architects Form Design Group wanted to emphasise the connection with the sea and have implemented a ‘kinetic wall’ on the façade of Endeavour House, which by reflecting light appears to ripple in the wind as though it’s water.

The buildings of Phase 1 have been constructed by Midas, with Aecom acting as technical advisors. Work on Phase 2 infrastructure is already under way with Balfour Beatty contractors installing services ahead of construction of the new buildings for Phase 2, which is due to start next year. Once all three phases of the development are complete, it will offer 25,000 square metres of flexible employment space and three docks suitable for marine industry dockside operations.

For more information see the  Oceansgate website.