A detailed planning application has been submitted for a £25m scheme to transform a former Yorkshire hospital site into renewable energy business park.
Proposed as a joint venture between Stoneferry Estates and Hull City Council, the campus-style Kingston Parklands business centre would be built opposite the entrance to the city’s docks and on 11 acres once occupied by Hull Maternity Hospital. It would also be close to a new £160m Siemens wind turbine plant the German company is in the process of building.
The first phase of the development will see Stoneferry — chosen after a national marketing campaign for a development partner — make an initial investment of around £5m to cover groundwork and the construction of a 42,000sq ft complex aimed at green energy ventures. Scheduled for completion by June next year, the developer says it is already talking to a “high-technology” business about taking space in the first building.
“We are in advanced negotiations with a company which is not yet based in Hull or the East Riding and is interested in effectively becoming the anchor tenant for the development,” said Stoneferry director, Tom Healey “It is a business which we feel will be a big asset to the development, and the city, and will naturally help attract further investment to the site.
“The timing of the development is also perfect for any companies looking to invest in Hull following the investment of Siemens into the city,” he added. “Once the first phase is completed we will be able to tailor the rest of the site to the needs of businesses heading into 2016 and, hopefully, by then Siemens will have their operation up and running.”
Part of the Humberside Green Port Corridor the Kingston Parklands complex will be within the local enterprise zone, allowing relocating companies to access business rates relief. Planning approval is expected to be granted by the end of the month and will include office accommodation, research and development facilities and warehouses and create at least 500 jobs.
Stephen Brady is leader of Hull City Council. “The authority is delighted to be partnering with Stoneferry Estates, which is a locally-based and highly regarded development company,” he said. “This can only be good news for local contractors and local suppliers who can become involved in the project.”
Healey says the company is proud of its 20-year track record of regenerating sites and attracting investment.
“We recently transformed the run-down former Humbrol factory site during a recession into a hugely successful Marfleet Environmental Technology Park which now boasts tenants including the likes of Nippon Gohsei and Neill & Brown Global Logistics,” he added. “At Kingston Parklands we want high-tech, high-value businesses to succeed and add to Hull’s growing economy.”
