Jobs boost as technology park development completes

A NEW development on the former Humbrol site in Hull has been completed eight years after the model-making factory closed down and is set to create up to 200 jobs.

The site is designated as an Enterprise Zone which brings with it financial incentives for businesses locating to the area.

Marfleet Environmental Technology Park forms part of the Humber Energy Cluster Enterprise Zone which incorporates 484 hectares of land assembled to accommodate the supply chain for the offshore wind renewable energy sector and associated businesses.

This is the first part of the Enterprise Zone to be completed in the city. 
 
The park is already home to some of Hull’s largest companies, including Nippon Gohsei UK; logistics companies Middlegate Shipping and Neill & Brown Global Logistics, along with a range of smaller local businesses.

The completion of the development marks a transformation of the area from a site with derelict and disused buildings, into a modern, high technology, green business park that has benefitted from a £10m investment from Stoneferry Estates along with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

Stoneferry Estates director, Tom Healey, said: “Stoneferry Marfleet is proud to have been associated with the transformation of the Humbrol Site, which is now known as Marfleet Environmental Technology Park. Stoneferry purchased the site back in 2007 and started work in 2008. Throughout the site’s regeneration Marfleet has become a high point in Stoneferry Estates history, as the project was developed and completed during one of the worst economic environments seen in a generation.

“Stoneferry’s achievements could not have come to fruition without the help of our trusted advisors and partners making this project very much a team effort and an excellent example of how local businesses, councils and The European Regional Development Fund can all work together for the greater good of the community.

“Stoneferry is also pleased to have established a good relationship with the existing residents – the company gifted part of the site to the community and constructed a new £250,000 play ground with play equipment for local people to enjoy.” 

The park will employ 200 people – more than the former Humbrol factory employed in the latter years of its operation.

The development has been delivered in partnership between the developer and Hull City Council with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.

The City Council’s city regeneration and policy manager Mark Jones said: “After Siemens and ABP announced their historic £310m investment to create 1,000 jobs, we knew our city was heading in the right direction in terms of establishing itself as a global leader in renewable energy.

“Hull is a key gateway to Europe and it is essential that we maximise our position to attract further investment opportunities to drive forward ambitious regeneration and transform the economic future of our region.

“We need to focus on our long term future and ensure we are training local people to secure jobs and develop the skill base of our workforce.

“We are currently at a crucial stage in the city’s physical and economic transformation and we are pleased to work in partnership with local companies like Stoneferry Estates who have vision and commitment to the city, bringing key sites to fruition.”

Following completion of Marfleet Environmental Technology Park Stoneferry Estates will soon start on a second major Enterprise Zone development on Hedon Road called Kingston Parklands, a four hectare site, the former Hull Maternity Hospital, opposite Alexandra Dock. Work is expected to start at the beginning of November. 
 
 
 

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