A BRIGHTLINGSEA boat-building firm hopes to create 120 new jobs after regenerating a derelict warehouse site.

CTruk has agreed a lease for the former Fieldgate site in Haven Road, Colchester, which it will use to build large vessels for offshore wind farm projects.

It has also revealed ambitious plans for new offices and a training centre on the site.

The firm has applied for a grant from the Regional Growth Fund for the training centre project. CTruk hopes to complete the majority of building work by the end of 2015.

Company chairman Peter McIntosh said the company needed more space to allow it to build larger vessels needed for challenging sea conditions.

The creation of an “advanced composite technology centre” could create 120 jobs, including 15 apprenticeships.

Mr McIntosh stressed the move would not see the company move out of Brightlingsea.

CTruk designs and builds commercial and military marine craft, including catamaran work boats, at its Brightlingsea shipyard.

The company was established at its waterfront base in 2010 and currently employs about 70 people.