Northern Powerhouse Minister welcomes six new Humber Growth Deal projects

Today, the Parliamentary Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse Andrew Percy will welcome the approval of six new Humber Growth Deal projects, which total £11.47m.

During his first visit to the Humber LEP since taking on his government role, the Northern Powerhouse Minister will also sign the Humber Enterprise Zone (EZ) MOU, visit Green Port Hull and the Siemens blade factory.

The six Growth Deal projects, which will create 75 direct jobs, support 404 indirect jobs as well as generate 279 construction jobs, were approved this month by the Humber Leadership Board and the Humber LEP Board.

The approval will see £3.5m go towards Hull Venue, the city’s proposed £36m live music and conference venue, whilst £500k will be used to increase the visitor economy in North Lincolnshire at Normanby Hall Country Park.

£195k will also be used as part of a project to provide Offshore Wind Operational Support Facilities on the Port of Grimsby East, which will include changing and shower rooms alongside office and control room space, and a further £130k will be used to support Beverley’s Grovehill Bridge Maintenance Scheme which will provide connectivity for local businesses as a 40-tonne HGV route.

Flood risk alleviation projects in Hull and East Riding are also being supported with £2.14m supporting land purchase for the Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme and £5m for the Cottingham and Orchard Park Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP board, said: “These projects have the potential to have a significant economic impact by attracting more visitors and spend, attracting investment or safeguarding jobs and businesses.

“The six will add to the current 28 projects all of which support the aims of the Strategic Economic Plan of an infrastructure that supports growth, thriving successful businesses and a skilled and productive workforce.

“The Humber LEP Growth Deal is a part of the jigsaw that connects a large network of people, teams, businesses, organisations, projects and investments that will support the economic growth of the region.”

Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The approval of the Humber LEP Growth Deal projects is good news for our city.

“The funding for the Hull Venue will help us create a vibrant live music and conference centre that supports our UK City of Culture legacy plans and will also help us reach our aim of becoming a world-class visitor destination as we look towards growing our cultural economy.

“Additionally, the funding to support the Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme is vital to provide extra protection and reassurance to those living in the local area should we experience extreme weather.”