Projekt Renewable has arrived in Grimsby, with three modified shipping containers providing “a shed-load of opportunity” for the town.
Works on the first phase of the aspirational scheme, set to celebrate opportunities presented by green energy on the area’s doorstep, have been underway off-site ahead of Tuesday’s delivery.
Now, after two years of planning and £300,000 in fundraising, it is emerging – four months ahead of schedule. It will bring insight into nascent industries unseen by many due to their maritime and industrial locations to a prominent position in the town centre, increasing awareness.
Read more: Partners can’t contain excitement as inspirational Projekt Renewable
Projekt’s director, Richard Askam, told how it is hoped it will be an aspirational beacon for Grimsby and beyond, with the potential to extend and evolve to suit the demands for the community and the renewable “champions” operating in the area.
He said: “Just over two years ago I was tasked with developing a catalyst project that shines a bright light on Grimsby’s future prospects and I’m more than a little bit excited to see it come to life.”
Supported by the Town Deal as well as Myenergi and RWE Renewables, and placed beside Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, it unites the area’s past and future, and was consented in June.
Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “To see this structure landing in a popular public space in Grimsby town centre is fantastic. The renewables sector and its growth in North East Lincolnshire offers us so much and it is vital that young people, and their families, are provided an opportunity to see what is on offer. We can all be inspired by it.”
Through two immersive installations and two further flexible, educational and broadcasting spaces, this first phase of Projekt Renewable – delivered by WhiteCrate, the UK’s leading container architecture design and production company – promises to open the door to local students, creatives, businesses and community groups.
A duo of installations come from Myenergi and RWE, and will take over the green container, powered largely by solar.
Split equally between the two, it will allow each business to talk about their products and the myriad of opportunities that exist within the sustainability sector, demonstrating that ‘it’s not just for engineers’.
Through virtual reality, RWE will be bringing offshore living to life. With a headset on, visitors will be able position themselves on the guide footprints and handrail, and look out to sea – transported out of the container across the water’s ripping surface and into RWE’s state-of-the-art operations hub on the town’s Royal Dock.
Guy Middleton, general manager at RWE’s Grimsby Hub, said: “Educating and inspiring young people about renewable energy is critical to attracting them to work in the industry. We look forward to welcoming the next generation to Projekt to learn about the offshore wind and low carbon sector and in an interesting and fun way.”
Myenergi will have its flagship product, the Zappi EV charger, installed for visitors, while showcasing its academy.
Emily Kelsey, Myenergi talent acquisition manager, said: “Projekt Renewable is a brilliant opportunity for Myenergi to be able to showcase all of the different opportunities available, especially for anyone looking to start a career within the renewable energy space.
“We have a diverse variety of roles across the company ranging from specialist apprenticeships within engineering right through to a career in sales. Working at Myenergi really isn’t just a job, it is a career, and we are super passionate about the development and professional growth of all our employees.”
Dedicated to the future of broadcasting, The Studio will be home to Projekt’s very own podcast hub. With two sets of equipment having been donated, the team will be working with local businesses and schools to support production within what will be a fully flexible space.
The final container of phase one will act as a meeting and workshop space. Complete with desks, chairs and screens, it will be bookable with no fee, if the work aligns to the renewable ethos.
Work now continues on the three containers on-site. Attention is also turning to phase two, with the £500,000 investment target triggering it. Engagement with schools and colleges is seen as key.
- This report has been updated following the structure’s arrival.
Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber