Member Article

Marfleet Technology Park set to bring 200 jobs to Hull

Marfleet Environmental Technology Park, set to be completed at the end of August 2014, will bring up to 200 jobs to the area on the site of the former Humbrol factory off Hedon Road.

The site is designated as an Enterprise Zone which brings with it financial incentives for businesses locating to the area.

Marfleet Environmental Technology Park forms part of the Humber Energy Cluster Enterprise Zone which lends land to accommodate the supply chain for the offshore wind renewable energy sector and associated businesses.

This is the first part of the Enterprise Zone to be completed in the city.

The completion of the development marks a transformation of the area from a site with derelict and disused buildings, into a modern green business park that has benefitted from a £10 million investment from Stoneferry Estates along with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

The development is one of the few business parks in the area built to the Environmental BREEAM Very Good standard which analyses a building’s energy use and environmental impact.

The developer, Stoneferry Estates director, Tom Healey said: “Stoneferry Marfleet Limited is proud to have been associated with the transformation of the Humbrol Site, which is now known as Marfleet Environmental Technology Park. Stoneferry purchased the site back in 2007 and started work in 2008.

“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.

“Stoneferry’s achievements could not have come to fruition without the help of our trusted advisors and partners making this project very much a team effort and an excellent example of how local businesses, councils and The European Regional Development Fund can all work together for the greater good of the community.

“Stoneferry is also pleased to have established a good relationship with the existing residents - the company gifted part of the site to the community and constructed a new £250k play ground with play equipment for local people to enjoy.”

The park is already home to some of Hull’s largest companies, including Nippon Gohsei UK; logistics companies Middlegate Shipping and Neill & Brown Global Logistics, along with a range of smaller local businesses.

The park will employ 200 people - considerably more than the former Humbrol factory employed in the latter years of its operation.

The development has been delivered in partnership between the developer and Hull City Council with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund

Hull City Council’s City Regeneration and Policy Manager, Mark Jones said: “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 that we maximise our position to attract further investment opportunities to drive forward ambitious regeneration and transform the economic future of our region.

“We need to focus on our long term future and ensure we are training local people to secure jobs and develop the skill base of our workforce.

“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.”

Following completion of Marfleet Environmental Technology Park Stoneferry Estates will shortly embark on a second major Enterprise Zone development on Hedon Road called ‘Kingston Parklands’ which is a 4 hectare site (the former Hull Maternity Hospital) located immediately opposite Alexandra Dock. Work is expected to start at the beginning of November 2014.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .