Humber region ‘ideal for new freeport’

Paul Beckett, head of development at Sterling Capitol, said: “The granting of Freeport status would be a game-changer for the Humber region. More specifically, it would be the final piece in the jigsaw of the regeneration of Goole.”

The Humber Ports bid, which covers the ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Hull and Goole, is being brought forward by Associated British Ports (ABP), the Humber LEP and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

It has been backed by the Humber Unitary Leaders Group of Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils.

The Government has announced it will select the winning bids early next year, with the first of the new Freeport sites to be open for business within 12 months.

“The Humber bid has our fullest support,” said Mr Beckett.

“Sterling Capitol has invested in the region since 2003, when we first opened Capitol Park Goole by Junction 36 of the M62. The park, which sits within an enterprise zone, currently has outline planning consent for an employment unit of up to 550,000 sq ft with a massive presence next to the motorway.

“The Goole region is the ideal location to house a freeport – given the existing transport infrastructure, available land for the expansion of existing or development of brand new industries, as well as our expertise in ports and logistics”.

The Humber region is also a pioneer for green energy production and clean growth opportunities, meaning a "greenrecovery" could also be supported within a Humber Freeport.

"The bid also supports Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s intention to level up the country by investing in the North of England," said Mr Beckett.

"The advantages and incentives a freeport provides would be a fantastic boost for the Humber region and it is worth remembering that the Prime Minister recently visited Goole to see its potential for himself.”