Research and Analysis Case Studies

Appledore Economic Options Study

Overview

Torridge District Council needed an independent assessment of the future economic potential of its recently acquired ‘Middle Dock’ site in Appledore. The site occupied a strategically important waterfront location adjacent to the historic Appledore Shipyard, but its future role was uncertain. Working in partnership with Moor Economics, Buckman Associates undertook a comprehensive options appraisal to identify realistic development opportunities that could support economic growth, employment and regeneration within Northern Devon.

What was required

The Council required robust evidence to inform future investment decisions and understand how the site could contribute to the local economy. The study needed to:

• Assess the planning, legal and physical constraints affecting the site.
• Understand current and emerging market opportunities.
• Engage with key stakeholders across the marine, engineering, education and public sectors.
• Evaluate a range of potential future uses for the dock.
• Provide recommendations on the most viable economic development options and next steps.

Our role

Buckman Associates led the economic and stakeholder research programme to deliver a detailed options analysis. The project included:

• A review of planning policy, legal constraints and site conditions.
• Market analysis of relevant sectors including marine industries, offshore renewables, aquaculture, skills development and innovation.
• Consultation with businesses, industry experts, education providers and public sector stakeholders.
• Assessment of comparable facilities and wider regional economic trends.
• Evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses and feasibility of a range of development scenarios.

Key findings

The study identified several potential economic opportunities for the site, while recognising that future success would be heavily influenced by wider developments in the marine sector.

Outcome

The study provided Torridge District Council with an evidence-based framework for decision making and a clear understanding of the site’s future development potential. Rather than recommending a single immediate use, the report highlighted the importance of retaining flexibility while monitoring rapidly emerging opportunities in the marine and offshore renewable energy sectors.

The work established a clear roadmap for further technical investigations and stakeholder engagement, which ultimately led to the development of the Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre. Scheduled to open in 2026 and funded, in part, by £15.6m from The Levelling Up Fund, the new Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre will provide a regional focal point for maritime innovation activity across the Celtic Sea and beyond. With workshops, office space and direct access to the Taw-Torridge Estuary, the Centre is intended to support innovation in fields including clean propulsion, maritime cyber security, aquaculture, autonomous (unmanned) vessels and environmental intelligence.

Research and Analysis Case Studies