After almost 50 years supporting one of the UK’s largest power stations, the Fawley Waterside dock has been brought back into operation to support SailGP’s high-tech racing fleet.
The former Fawley Power Station site was used to support race preparations including assembly, maintenance and launch of SailGP’s catamarans ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix racing in Portsmouth.
The operation marks the return of significant maritime activity to the 100-acre site, operated by Fawley Waterside Ltd which is currently developing an employment-led masterplan for the area with the ambition of creating a new centre for enterprise, innovation and clean energy.
New jobs
The proposals aim to attract investment across the maritime, energy, and digital sectors, with the potential to deliver up to 190,000 square metres of employment space delivering new jobs in both construction and operation of the site.
Current plans will see the site build on its industrial and maritime heritage, reactivating the dock for commercial use.
Fawley Waterside says the plans will also support businesses that benefit from direct waterside access.
“Seeing SailGP use our site as the HQ for its event and watching the racing fleet disembark from our dock is a powerful reminder of what makes this site so special,” said Matthew Doran, Fawley Waterside.
Exceptional opportunities
“For generations, Fawley played an important role in supporting activity on the Solent, and hosting SailGP shows what an exciting future it has.
“Today, as we develop proposals for the site’s future, events like this demonstrate the exceptional opportunities that exist here.”
He concluded: “Our vision is to create a modern energy, industry and maritime employment hub that brings investment, skilled jobs and innovation to the area while building on Fawley’s proud industrial and maritime heritage.”
Fawley Waterside Ltd is currently reviewing feedback following a public consultation regarding its masterplan. A second round of consultation is expected later this year ahead of the submission of a planning application.
