Work has started on the first phase a £60m project to create a renewable energy and engineering centre of excellence in Pembrokeshire supporting commercialisation and an aim to create 1,800 new jobs.

The Pembroke Dock Marine initiative will become a focal point for wind, wave and tidal renewable investment in the region.

The first phase of works is the renovation of the four grade II listed hangar annexes attached to the historic Sunderland hangars at Pembroke Port to create workspaces and a workshop. Contractor R&M Williams is now on site and is expected to complete the project by November 2022.

Additional work will also extend the port’s laydown and fabrication spaces, enlarge a slipway for added flexibility in transferring large structures from land to sea and install a new workboat pontoon. Work still start next year.

The project has secured £28m funding from the City Deal for the Swansea Bay City Region, £16m of European Union funding, through the Welsh Government and £16m in matchfunding from the private and other sources of finance.

Marine project Steve Edwards, commercial director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “It’s wonderful to see the project under way at Pembroke Port. We’re creating a modern facility here that will allow developers of cutting-edge marine energy technology to reach commercialisation.

” Crucially, Pembroke Dock Marine is a significant first step to unlocking further interest and investment in Pembrokeshire aligned to the floating offshore wind opportunity in the Celtic Sea. With further investment and growth, the region’s supply chain could benefit substantially from the £682m opportunities and 3,000 jobs associated with floating offshore wind.”

Pembroke Dock Town councillor and deputy mayor, Joshua Beynon, said “This huge piece of development in our town is a fantastic opportunity to provide green jobs and employment for residents across Pembroke Dock and Pembrokeshire. Our town needs this investment to make it a 21st century area that is ready to tackle the issues of today and tomorrow and reach our climate change commitments.”