Siemens gets full go-ahead for turbine blade factory creating 1,000 jobs

WIND energy firm Siemens has been given approval for a turbine blade factory and other facilities in Hull.

Hull City Council’s planning committee gave permission for the construction of a 426,251 sq ft factory on Alexandra Dock to manufacture 75 metre turbine blades and components.

They also received planning for offices, and a 132,396 sq ft maintenance building.

In partnership with Associated British Ports, Siemens is investing £310m in the city’s biggest ever inward investment.

In total, the Alexandra Dock development will create 1,000 jobs directly, with more in the supply chain and construction.

Siemens’ Hull project director Finbarr Dowling said: “We are delighted our revised proposals have been granted planning permission and the development of Alexandra Dock is now fully consented.

“We would like to thank members of the planning committee, and Hull City Council generally, for their support.

“The planning process has been very professionally managed, with excellent and proactive engagement between Siemens, ABP, the local authority and a wide range of statutory consultees and interested parties.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the tremendous backing we have received from the local community, which reflects the highly supportive environment we have experienced in Hull since announcing our investment proposals.”

Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Stephen Brady, said: “This is one of several milestones that takes the city a step further towards the delivery of the project and today’s approval is a fine example of how teams across the Green Port Hull project are working collaboratively to bring this scheme to fruition.

“Early engagement with key statutory agencies since the start of this project has led to close working relationships, further strengthened since the approval of the Local Development Order alongside the Humber LEP.

“This approach has enabled swift and positive responses from all key consultees to the applications determined today, demonstrating the planning system’s ability to deliver a major manufacturing element of a new industrial sector to the city in good time.”