Next stage for nuclear and clean energy site
HandoutWork to develop a new nuclear and clean energy site next to Europe's largest nuclear plant is taking a step forward.
Last year the prime minister announced the intention to develop land at Moorside, known as Pioneer Park - a 400 acre site next to Sellafield in Cumbria.
Members of Cumberland's Nuclear Future Board have now launched the £1m masterplan phase, funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), to explore how the site could support nuclear and clean energy opportunities.
Engineering and advisory firms Mott MacDonald and WSP will lead on the six-month project looking at developing next-generation nuclear technologies and supply chain facilities, including how to attract funding.
Sellafield's decommissioning started in 2005 and the site stores one of the largest stockpile of nuclear waste.
A project to bring a new nuclear power station at Moorside collapsed almost 10 years ago after Toshiba, the company being the investment, pulled out.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said with the right backing, Pioneer Park could "strengthen the UK's nuclear supply chain and "create high quality jobs for local people".
He said: "With its proximity to Sellafield and our world-class nuclear workforce, West Cumbria is uniquely placed to support the next wave of nuclear innovation and investment."
Development company BEC is leading the development on behalf of the NDA and Cumberland Council.
Michael Pemberton, BEC's chief executive, said the site's location next to "the most important nuclear site in the world" was key to its success.
He said: "Our focus is on developing a masterplan that builds on that unique position - creating opportunities for investment, innovation and new technologies while supporting the long-term strength of the UK's nuclear sector."
