POOLE-based Sunseeker International has unveiled plans for a major 11.5 acre expansion of its facilities at its Osprey Quay outlet on Portland which will create an additional 300 jobs for the region.

The formal planning application to Weymouth & Portland Borough Council includes a new 4,200 square metre boat building facility which will provide enough space for the construction of a full range of boats including the 37 metre tri-deck yacht, unveiled at the London International Boat Show.

Sunseeker, whose headquarters and main construction facility is on Poole waterfront acquired the site just over twelve months ago and has been using the existing facilities for a number of moulding and building projects.

The new shipyard development will include new moulding and construction units and offices to replace the existing facilities which are currently not large enough to accommodate the shipbuilding process.

Managing director Robert Braithwaite commented: "These new facilities will ensure the future success of the business locally and is another step towards creating a centre of marine excellence in the region. We are delighted with the proposed development and believe this is very much in line with the vision of the local authority and RDA."

Supporting the application, Bruce Voss, head of regeneration for the South West RDA (which acquired the 33 acre Osprey Quay site after the Royal Naval Air Station closed in 1999) said: "The formal submission of planning by Sunseeker is a key milestone in the development of Osprey Quay. It further builds on the successful reputation of the marine sector in the South West, which contributes around £1 billion to the regional economy.

"This investment by Sunseeker will have huge employment benefits and we are delighted that this world leader in this field has chosen this site - which supports the RDA's aim to lead a sustainable economy by unlocking the area's business potential."

Sunseeker International currently employs 100 people at the Osprey Quay site (part of the total workforce of 2,500) but says this will increase to over 400 with the completion of the new development which is expected to be sometime next summer.