Eight years ago, the closure of Humbrol’s model making factory in Hull led to a dip in employment in the region and left a major industrial unit in a state of disrepair whilst talks took place regarding its future. Fortunately, a solution was found and this week the new redevelopment of Marfleet Environmental Technology Park officially completed.
The 6.7 acre park, which cost developers Stoneferry Estates £15 million to transform, is already home to firms such as Middlegate Shipping and Nippon Gohsei UK, and is the first aspect of Hull’s enterprise zone to reach completion. In total, Stoneferry Estates believes that the completion of the development will allow up to 200 new jobs to be created for the city.
Stoneferry Estates acquired the former Humbrol factory in 2007 and immediately announced a £10 million investment into creating space for the offshore wind sector and businesses associated with this field. The remaining £5 million redevelopment cost was contributed by the European Regional Development Fund, allowing work to begin shortly afterwards in 2008.
Director of Stoneferry Estates, Tom Healey, says; “Stoneferry Marfleet Limited is proud to have been associated with the transformation of the Humbrol Site, which is now known as the Marfleet Environmental Technology Park.
“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.”
The wider Humber Energy Cluster Enterprise Zone will, once completed, provide industrial and office space for a range of businesses within the energy sector, with incentives such as reduced business rates expected to attract numerous growing companies to Hull.
It also offers lower levels of planning control, meaning developers are keen to build on the wider site where their plans are likely to gain rapid approval – thus speeding up the construction process and allowing for higher levels of turnover.
Regeneration and policy manager at Hull City Council Mark Jones welcomed the completion announcement, expressing his belief that this will provide a further incentive for energy businesses to seek out opportunities in the northern city.
He says; “After Siemens and ABP announced their historic £310 million 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 we maximise our position to attract further investment opportunities to drive forward ambitious regeneration and transform the economic future of our region.
“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.”
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