HARWICH could be in line to receive more than �2million of Government money to support growth in the offshore renewable energy sector.

The �2.28million scheme is among six projects shortlisted by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) today to share in �8.7million of funding under the Growing Places Fund (GPF) initiative.

Also on the shortlist is Chelmsford Gateway, a �1.045million scheme to enhance the public environment around the town’s railway station.

Full business cases will now be developed for each of the six schemes and detailed appraisals carried out ahead of final investment decisions in December.

SELEP says the six schemes provisionally backed by its board have the potential to create 2,365 jobs.

Business cases for a further eight schemes, with the potential to create a further 15,270 jobs, are also to be prepared to provide a pipeline of well-developed proposals when additional funding is avilable. These include a flood alleviation scheme in Chelmsford.

John Spence, chairman of SELEP, which covers Essex, Kent and East Sussex, said: “The projects that we have supported today show a wealth of opportunities across the South East LEP to generate growth and create jobs.

“The development of a pipeline of schemes that can be delivered as soon as additional funding becomes available is further testament to this LEP’s desire to remove barriers to growth and create the most enterprising economy in England.”