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The Crown Estate in boost to UK offshore wind investment

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THE UK’s offshore wind industry is poised to receive a significant boost in early-stage investment through the launch of The Crown Estate’s innovative Supply Chain Accelerator, aimed at catalysing the growth of the UK’s domestic supply chain for offshore wind.

The Accelerator, a new £50 million fund, has been established to expedite and de-risk the initial stages of projects linked to offshore wind, fostering the development of the UK’s supply chain capabilities.

An initial £10 million funding round is now open for Expressions of Interest from businesses aiming to develop UK projects that support the nascent supply chain for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

Earlier this year, The Crown Estate’s research, The Celtic Sea Blueprint, forecasted the creation of 5,300 jobs and a £1.4 billion economic boost from deploying the first floating offshore wind capacity off South Wales and South-West England, stemming from the ongoing Leasing Round 5 process.

This research identified several critical supply chain opportunities essential for these floating wind farms, including floating platform components, dynamic cables and connections, wet storage infrastructure, operations and management facilities, and skills transition facilities.

The first £10 million funding round will target projects addressing these opportunities, providing matched funding of up to £1 million for early-stage development. The Crown Estate will also consider participating in the capital investment phase.

Formal applications open in mid-June and close at the end of July, with successful projects announced from October 2024. Grant Thornton, a leading professional services firm, will support The Crown Estate in this endeavour.

The Crown Estate’s mission is to create long-term value for the country, focusing on using its managed land and seabed to catalyse net zero, restore nature, create thriving communities, and drive economic growth. Developing the offshore wind industry’s domestic supply chain through collaboration with industry and government partners is a key part of these ambitions.

Following the deployment of the first £10 million, an additional £40 million has been earmarked to support UK projects aligned with the Industrial Growth Plan. This plan, launched by RenewableUK and industry partners including The Crown Estate last month, outlines actions required to triple offshore wind manufacturing capacity over the next decade.

The UK is already a global leader in offshore wind, with the sector producing 49TWh of electricity last year and a pipeline growing by 10GW in 2023 to 93GW, according to The Crown Estate’s UK Offshore Wind Report 2023.

Government estimates suggest that 125GW of offshore wind capacity may be needed by 2050 to achieve net zero, underscoring the importance of investment in the UK’s supply chain to maintain competitiveness amidst global decarbonisation efforts.

Will Apps, Offshore Wind Strategy Director at The Crown Estate, remarked, “We’re delighted to launch our Supply Chain Accelerator to catalyse early-stage project development and maximise opportunities identified in the Celtic Sea Blueprint. Investing in our domestic supply chain will enable the UK to remain a world leader in offshore wind while creating jobs and economic growth in local communities.”

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, added, “Offshore wind is crucial to our energy transition and local and national regeneration with new jobs, skills, and industry. Our world-leading offshore wind industry plays a pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition, and demand will only increase as we move towards a net zero economy by 2050. We must invest in and develop the UK’s supply chain to accelerate growth and make our offshore wind sector the most attractive globally.”

“The Supply Chain Accelerator will enable investment in priority capabilities and skills to deliver the opportunities within the Celtic Sea Blueprint, driving regional economic growth and ensuring value onshore through offshore activities.”

 

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

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WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

 

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Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

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A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

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