Humber Freeport secures £1.3 million site boost

An economic development zone has secured Government backing to fast-track infrastructure and unlock prime land for investment across its key industrial sites.

Humber Freeport has been awarded £1.3 million through the Government’s Site Accelerator Grant, the largest allocation among the UK’s 12 freeports. 

Bosses say the funding will support development across its three tax sites in Hull, Goole and Immingham, helping to remove barriers to inward investment and accelerate major projects.

At Goole and Hull East, the grant will progress advanced studies with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to secure grid connectivity and identify Biodiversity Net Gain opportunities, ensuring land can be developed efficiently while supporting environmental goals. 

Funding will also support transport and highways design work around Hull East to improve access and connectivity.

Meanwhile in Immingham, developer Able UK will use part of the funding to advance a Final Business Case for a proposed offshore wind and renewables hub, including deep-water quay space and onshore manufacturing facilities.

Simon Green, chief executive of Humber Freeport, said: “This funding is recognition of the strong progress already made in the Humber to attract major investments at our tax sites, and contribute significantly to regional economic growth.

“We have already seen well over £1.5 billion pledged to developments across the three tax sites, but there is still much work to be done to provide developers and investors with the support and conditions to maximise their potential.

“We have entered a pivotal phase at Humber Freeport and our focus is now firmly on seeing these investments progress and be delivered.”

The award forms part of a £3.3 million package shared across eight freeports and comes ahead of a separate £600 million Strategic Sites Accelerator fund, aimed at unlocking key industrial sites nationwide.

Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, added: “From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our Freeports will generate real economic growth across the country.  

“By tackling the barriers that developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

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