A NEW partnership has been agreed for Inchgreen in Inverclyde as part of plans to develop a state-of-the-art innovation and training centre.
Inverclyde Council has entered into an arrangement with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and NMIS member West College Scotland to take forward proposals to build a marine engineering centre of excellence at the site.
The proposed hub could benefit from £20million of UK Government funding announced in November 2025, subject to the development and approval of a full business case.
The innovation and training centre would provide research capacity to support businesses and act as a conveyor belt of talent moving directly into skilled jobs on site in a range of marine engineering sectors.
The proposals will explore how the centre could support marine engineering, including defence and net zero sectors. Potential areas of focus include marine robotics, naval architecture, plating and welding, subject to the development of the business case.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “This is an important step in the ongoing evolution of Inchgreen and the development of a new marine engineering centre of excellence.
“Inchgreen has huge potential and we’re delighted to be collaborating with NMIS and West College Scotland to help us to unlock that potential by creating an environment where people can be trained and then move into quality jobs all at the same location.”
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the council, NMIS and West College Scotland to develop a full business case for the centre to be submitted to the UK Government for consideration as part of the funding agreement.
NMIS and West College Scotland will work to define the types of innovation and research and development that would go on in the building and determine the training and learning facilities that would be required.
Operated by the University of Strathclyde, NMIS is headquartered in Renfrewshire in the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and works in partnership with manufacturers, combining technical expertise and engineering to turn promising ideas into industrial reality.
Chris Courtney, NMIS chief executive, said: “Working in partnership with Inverclyde Council, West College Scotland and industry, we have a brilliant opportunity to create a distinctive centre of excellence that builds on Inverclyde’s strengths and supports growth and high-quality jobs.
“Together, we can connect manufacturing and engineering innovation with education and skills, helping businesses strengthen and scale while creating opportunities for people to build rewarding careers and contribute to a bright industrial future for the region.”
The involvement of NMIS and West College Scotland will offer opportunities for young people from Inverclyde to benefit from the investment in Inchgreen through entry-level jobs from apprenticeships up to PhD level, which will provide a skilled workforce for the existing business base and future investment in Inverclyde.
Anne Campbell, West College Scotland principal, said: “I am delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding and to be working alongside Inverclyde Council and NMIS to help shape the future of Inchgreen.
“As an anchor institution within the region, West College Scotland is committed to responding to the needs of our communities, employers and key industries.
“Through this partnership, we will combine skills, innovation and industry expertise to create new opportunities for learners, support economic growth and help build the highly skilled workforce needed for the future of Scotland’s marine and engineering sectors.”
The Inchgreen site is currently made up of a marine park and a dry dock. An £11million upgrade of Inchgreen Marine Park was completed in March 2025 thanks to an £8.4million grant from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is funded by the UK and Scottish governments.
Inverclyde Council contributed £1.36million and the Scottish Government provided an additional £1.36million from the Clyde Mission Fund specifically for the refurbishment of the platers’ shed on site.
A second phase of upgrades was approved earlier this year using £3million of City Region funding leftover from other projects to further enhance the site, including berthing and quay wall improvements.
