IT’S the scheme that will developing hi-tech skills in the marine sector across Hampshire.

Plans for a new multi-million-pound innovation  hub near Fareham will create up to 100 new jobs in the marine engineering science and technology sectors.

The proposed plan, put forward by QinetiQ, would create a collaboration and innovation hub for a number of businesses in the maritime sector at Portsdown Technology Park.

Funding for the project includes £1.1 million from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Portsdown Park is home to defence giants QinetiQ and BAE Systems, who develop and test Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence radar-led maritime defence equipment.

Alongside this, the business supports the integration of command and control systems equipment for the new Type 45 destroyer.

QinetiQ says the development is part of a wider vision to re-develop and re-position the park as the UK’s National Maritime Systems Centre following a £5m investment by the government in 2014.

The investment safeguarded the continued employment of professional engineers, research scientists, professional project managers and support staff who are currently employed by the company, 300 in total.

A statement from QinetiQ said: “Creating the capacity to attract high productivity jobs: new engineering science and high end technology jobs over time.

“Jobs will be generated through sustained growth in our core, international and adjacent markets.

“The park is already a significant asset within the Marine and Maritime sector, which itself has been identified as vitally important to the Solent Region.”

Councillor Donna Jones, a Solent LEP director and leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “The navy is going from strength to strength in Portsmouth.

“The new jobs at Portsdown Hill will maintain and ensure that Portsmouth leads the way ensuring the UK plays a significant role in radar led maritime defence.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council and a fellow LEP director added: “A lot of people from Fareham work in defence so I welcome the investment at Portsdown Park.”

The new buildings will be also be complemented with car parking and landscaping to enhance the developed site.

A twelve week consultation period which was undertaken by the Solent LEP on the plans run between May 25 and August 17 with a full decision on funding to support the project to be made in due course.

Construction is expected to start next year.