Thousands of jobs to be created at multi-million pound green energy park

Hull City Council’s cabinet has given the green light for a multi-million pound scheme at the former Hedon Aerodrome, which is expected to create thousands of new jobs.

The land, now known as Yorkshire Energy Park, is allocated as part of the Humber Freeport to the east of Hull.

Cabinet’s decision means implementation of the £200m scheme can go ahead which will act as a catalyst for the Humber ‘Energy Estuary’ provision and green energy storage.

The council previously established an agreement for the land to support its future development, with up to one million square feet of business space, green technology education and sports facilities proposed.

The revised scheme will help to deliver renewable energy, battery storage and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, as well as space to facilitate research and development in sustainable energy.

This is expected to create around 4,500 jobs, both on and off site as part of the construction phase, for which a target of 80% would be recruited through local employment.

It will also support the progression of a successful £22m bid to the Green Heat Network Fund for the city’s second district heating scheme which will make use of waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This decision will provide significant opportunities at the Yorkshire Energy Park.

“It will help cement Hull’s status as a leader in renewable energy, whilst also creating large-scale local job opportunities in the area.”

The site falls outside of Hull’s administrative boundary. However, public engagement with residents of Hedon was conducted, as well as with sports clubs and statutory service providers and bodies.

The project also involves the relocation and enhancement of the sports facilities in the area, with hundreds currently using the pitches during football and rugby seasons.