CONTRACTORS have been announced for a £7million set of work to build a windfarm base in Harwich.

The three companies have been chosen for the Galloper Operations and Maintenance Base set to be based on five acres at Harwich International Port.

Ipswich-based R G Carter has been announced for the construction of the building, Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering Group for the construction of the access road, and Farrans Construction for the fabrication and installation of the pontoon.

Galloper’s operations and maintenance manager, Sean Chenery said: “The base will be the hub for all of the activity to maintain and operate the wind farm over its 23-year life.

“Construction of the base would signify the beginning of a major long-term investment and jobs boost for the area.”

A decision on planning permission for the new base is expected later this summer. If approved, the Harwich site will support the Galloper Wind Farm – expected to be complete by spring 2018 - which is an extension of the existing Greater Gabbard Wind Farm off Suffolk.

A decision on a temporary helipad for the windfarm in Great Oakley is set to be made at Tendring Council’s next planning meeting on Tuesday, August 8 at the Weeley council offices.