Net zero development expected to bring another 150 jobs to tech complex

Hull’s @TheDock tech campus is to be completed with a net zero office building, which is expected to bring an additional 150 digital jobs to the city’s Fruit Market.

Developer Wykeland Group has confirmed it will construct the final building within the tech complex, to offer a further 11,000 sq ft of office space.

The final @TheDock building will feature renewable energy generated via an array of roof mounted solar panels. A green roof formed by flowering plants and a green wall section will support biodiversity, while adding to the building’s insulation.

Also, the building is to be all electric and will be mechanically heated, cooled and ventilated by a system that uses air source heat pumps.

Construction is due to begin next month. The building is being developed speculatively and is scheduled to be completed in summer 2023.

@TheDock has become home to scores of tech businesses and hundreds of digital specialists. The development was spearheaded in 2015 by the opening of the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech hub and Nibble café. Since then, two additional buildings have opened on site, both of which are fully occupied.

John Gouldthorp, asset manager at Wykeland, said: “@TheDock has become a thriving digital community, bringing together many leading tech businesses and innovative start-up and scale-up ventures.

“This latest investment in the final phase of the development is a further vote of confidence in @TheDock as a destination of choice for digital businesses. It will also mark another key moment in the regeneration of the Fruit Market.

“In recent years @TheDock has been transformed from derelict brownfield site into a prime location for digital innovation and excellence. This new building will complete that journey.”

The first and second floors of the new building will each offer 5,500 sq ft of office space. The building could be let to either a single business, or multiple tenants, with suites from 2,250 sq ft to the full 11,000 sq ft.

The ground floor will have 17 undercroft parking spaces, with electric vehicle charging points and a cycle storage area.

Letting of the building will be handled by commercial property agency PPH Commercial.

Ben Cooper, divisional director at PPH, said: “We are excited to market opportunities at the final building within the @TheDock development.

“We expect demand for space to be very strong, due to the quality of the Grade A offices, the building’s sustainability credentials and the exceptional work Wykeland has done to make @TheDock a flagship destination for tech businesses.”