Malin Group has secured planning permission in principle for its proposed development of the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP).

Malin Group's vision for the site is to deliver a state-of-the-art marine excellence hub which will bring together manufacturers with marine and renewables experience and providers of research and skills in a single sustainable location. The development will be led by a masterplan approach with a phasing plan indicating how the various uses will be taken forward together with an updated remediation strategy.

The SMTP site will have direct access to the deep-water channel of the River Clyde via a heavy lift quay and will provide a unique environment for world-leading innovators in the marine industry to co-locate and collaborate to reinvigorate the marine industry on the banks of the Clyde.

Malin Group Managing Director, John MacSween, stated: "We are very pleased at the support the SMTP has received and are excited about the potential that it offers Scotland's marine industry, as well as for local residents in a high unemployment area and for the wider economy.

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"It will kick start new offerings on the Clyde as well as offer much needed space for growth to existing marine companies in the Greater Glasgow area and beyond. The maritime industry and the opportunities it offers represents a sleeping giant in our economy and we need to create space for small and medium sized marine companies to flourish. Providing industrial space with access to the sea goes a long way to supporting this."

Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor David McBride said: "This is a key stage in the development of this site which offers excellent access to the River Clyde and will be a driver for innovation within West Dunbartonshire.

"We are invested in the future of our area, building on the infrastructure and transport links that we already have and the waterside location which we enjoy. I look forward to seeing this project progressing and to the benefits this will bring for our communities."

Derek Shaw, Director of Innovation & Place, Scottish Enterprise also said: "It's great to see this project moving forward with the approval of the planning permission in principle application. We supported the development of the Scottish Marine Technology Park masterplan as this is a significant project which has the potential for transformative change, bringing jobs and economic opportunities to West Dunbartonshire and Scotland."

The planning application gives 'in principle' approval to the overall masterplan. Each individual development within the plan can then obtain detailed planning permission.