The centre aims to promote offshore renewable energy

The scheme for the complex at Ness Point, near Lowestoft, has been given the funding boost by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

The centre aims to provide flexible office accommodation for companies across the offshore renewables sector.

It aims to place Lowestoft at the heart of this growing industry.

Flagship centre

The Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy is being set up by Suffolk County Council with help from EEDA.

Bob Blizzard, MP for Lowestoft, said: "The large scale development of offshore wind farms off the east coast offers a great economic opportunity for Lowestoft.

"This flagship centre will help to attract the firms we need to make the new industry, with new jobs, a reality in our area. I'm delighted that EEDA has now confirmed its funding."

Richard Ellis, chairman of EEDA, said: "The purpose of the centre is to provide employment opportunities, create office space for start-up and growing firms engaged in offshore oil and gas industry and to provide a physical focus to showcase the region's strengths in the offshore renewables sector."