?1bn of new investment pledged as Humber Freeport marks first year

Twelve months on from its launch, Humber Freeport has said that more than GBP1bn of new investment is pledged, with planned schemes expected to create scores of jobs in the region. Major investments from global businesses have been committed to the Humber Freeport tax sites in Hull and Goole. These are expected to create more than 700 skilled jobs, in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and technology to ports and green energy.

A year ago, Humber Freeport chair Simon Bird welcomed delegates to Associated British Ports’ historic Pump House in Hull for the Freeport launch, when he set out the role of freeport status as a catalyst for growth. Speaking 12 months later, Bird said: “When freeports were established, the Humber was identified as the region with the most powerful proposition, and which could benefit significantly from freeport designation. “Fast forward to today and we are seeing that potential being realised.

The investments secured in our tax sites will be transformational for the Humber, both in terms of direct employment and through growth in the broader supply chain. “It’s important we build on this impressive momentum. We’ve got off to a very strong start – now we must seize the opportunity to supercharge our region’s economy.”

Looking ahead, Humber Freeport said it will continue to work with the Government to help deliver on its green agenda, driving clean and sustainable growth. Humber Freeport is also building on the region’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, chemicals and port-related industries. Much of the early investment in Humber Freeport sites has been made within the Hull East tax site.

Those investments include Equinor selecting Saltend Chemicals Park for a low carbon hydrogen production plant and Pensana for a rare earth processing facility. Meld Energy for green hydrogen plant, also at Saltend, is also moving forward. Other key projects have also been announced at the chemicals park – a clean gas plant by Standard Gas Technologies and plans by OXCCU for a demonstration plant to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel.

Within the wider Hull East tax site, plans have also been approved for the GBP200m Yorkshire Energy Park, a technology campus which could support more than 4,000 jobs. Elsewhere, Finish manufacturer Metsa Tissue has selected part of Humber Freeport’s Goole tax site to develop the UK’s largest paper tissue mill. The development will create more than 400 jobs directly, with thousands of indirect jobs in the supply chain and local economy.

Developer Wykeland Group holds the long-term development rights to the land and has worked closely with Metsa Tissue to enable the landmark development. Wykeland has exchanged on a deal to sell the 211-acre site to Metsa Tissue, subject to planning approval, to pave the way for construction of the manufacturing facility. On the south side of the Goole tax site, plans have been submitted by Henry Boot Developments and landowner St John’s College Cambridge for a 300-acre industrial manufacturing and logistics park.

Ideal Heating’s new UK Technology Centre, under development in Hull, is also receiving funding, as the manufacturer broadens its skills and capabilities in low carbon heating solutions. Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news… Previous Article