AMBITIOUS plans to turn Harwich into a thriving centre for the renewable energy industry are gaining momentum after the opening of a business centre.

International firms have moved into the newly-refurbished Miranda building on Harwich Quay.

Tony Woods, from AJ Woods Engineering, who opened the centre, believes if enough companies come to the town, it could create more than 2,000 jobs.

He said: “Harwich has the opportunity to become the home for renewable energy in Europe.

“It is the best sheltered natural harbour on the whole coast of England and there could be 2,000 jobs for a wind manufacturing centre.

“Within the next three to four years we want to make ready projects to build in excess of 2,000 wind turbines.”

Last year, Harwich was turned down for a £5million grant from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, which it was then hoped would fund a regional skills and windport business centre in the town.

Mr Woods decided to take the lead on the project by creating a similar business centre to the Orbis Centre in Lowestoft.

The building was built using public money and can house 38 companies involved in offshore renewable energy.

Mr Woods wants the Miranda building to become a similar hive for renewable energy companies.

More than £100,000 has been spent on its renovation since it was purchased last November.

It is hoped wind energy developers, engineering companies, manufacturers, service providers and other related companies will all congregate under the one roof.

The first tenants to occupy the building are Siemens Transmission and Distribution.

Dalby Offshore Renewables is set to move in soon.

Stuart McNiven, managing director, said: “The accommodation is excellent and its quayside location is perfect.”

Mr Woods, who went on a week-long business trip to China in March, believes businessmen from the two countries can develop strong trade relations.