Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of a 35 hectare development that will be the new home for marine enterprise in Plymouth.

Oceansgate, which is on the southern edge of Devonport Dockyard, one of the largest naval dockyards in Europe, will bring together marine-based businesses to create a world-class hub for marine industries with opportunities for research, innovation and production in a collaborative environment.

The scheme will see new office and industrial space totalling 27,751 sq ft to start in early 2017. Later phases will include additional workspace and waterside facilities including docks and jetties.

Tim Western, head of JLL's Exeter office, who have been instructed to market the site, said: "There will be workspace suitable for small start-ups and innovative businesses all the way up to international players and the space is designed in such a way that encourages sharing of ideas and collaboration."

The first phase of development will consist of two blocks of industrial units totalling 14,081 sq ft each and a 13,670 sq ft three storey office building. There will also be 32 parking spaces for the offices and 28 spaces for the area around the industrial units.

The three phases currently planned at Oceansgate, once completed, will feature a total of 270,000 sq ft of workspace with deep water docks and jetties and will be home to hundreds of high value jobs.