PLANS for a new £1.3 million business centre in Harwich have been given a major boost.

The centre, which could be based in Mermaid House, in Harwich Quay, would serve the offshore energy industry , as well as maritime, ports, logistics and engineering sectors.

It has now moved a step closer to becoming reality after Tendring Council, which is leading the project, agreed to spend £40,000 on the technical study needed to progress with the scheme .

The study will include building surveys, design and layout proposals and an economic impact report.

Giles Watling, council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The study is to get the ball properly rolling.

“There is a market in the offshore industry that’s going to be worth £159 billion until 2020, with £18.5 billion going into the East of England.

“This is the biggest and most important Tendring Council regenera- tion initiation in Harwich for a generation.

The previous study reveals a strong demand for this facility with 26 companies expressing a firm interest in using office space located in Harwich, with a potential for around 80 jobs.

“In short, this is a window of opportunity we must grab.

“Mermaid House stands empty and the landlords are prepared to sign a understanding with us and Essex County Council – giving us time to organise a lease and carry out the necessary work.”

Council leader Neil Stock added: “It’s the perfect place for a business centre and we want to get it up and moving as soon as possible .

“This is a terrific good news story, and it’s our partners we’re working with in Trinity House and Essex County Council which have helped make it possible .

“It is a fantastic building in a great location, we’d be lucky to have it.”

The renovation of the vacant building, which is owned by Trinity House, is expected to cost about £1.3 million, and the site could bring in about £180,000 a year in rent.

Tendring Council has already earmarked £500,000 for property-related projects and if the new centre went ahead, that money could be used.

The county council has provisionally allocated £350,000 towards the costs of the plan – and bids will be made for further funding.

Labour Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson welcomed the plans, but said work should have started on a centre years ago.

“I’m really pleased that the project has come forward.

Anything that encourages business and jobs in Har- wich is a good thing,”

he said.

“But on the other hand we have been waiting a long time for this.

“Three years ago, the former council leader said we had just 18 months to develop this type of project for the offshore industry .

“In that time we have seen other East Coast areas take advantage.”