The proposed hub could benefit from £20 million of UK Government funding announced in December 2025, subject to the development and approval of a full business case.

The idea is to build an innovation and training centre at Inchgreen to 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. 

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 go on in the building and determine the training and learning facilities that would be required.

Headquartered in Renfrewshire, at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), NMIS works in partnership with manufacturers, combining deep technical expertise and bold engineering to turn promising ideas into industrial reality. It is operated by the University of Strathclyde and is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

Chris Courtney, NMIS CEO, 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 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.

The involvement of NMIS and West College Scotland will also 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 £11m upgrade of Inchgreen Marine Park was completed in March 2025 thanks to an £8.4m grant from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is funded by the UK and Scottish governments.

Inverclyde Council contributed £1.36m and the Scottish Government provided an additional £1.36m 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 £3m of City Region funding leftover from other projects to further enhance the site, including purchasing the adjacent former St Mungo’s Church site to use for storage or car parking and berthing and quay wall improvements.