Former Airfix site set for take off as 13-unit industrial park

Yesterday, developers Ispace said they already had "very strong interest" in the first phase of their proposed development on the former Humbrol factory site on Hedon Road.

The former paint manufacturer's site has become an eyesore since closing four years ago.

The East Yorkshire property firm wants to build 13 industrial units on the 9.5-acre site with spaces for 214 cars and 23 HGVs.

The developers are promoting the site, which will be known as the Marfleet Environmental Technology Park, for uses associated with the nearby docks and the burgeoning renewable energy sector, which is expected to blossom on both banks of the Humber in coming years.

The developers who recently built the "ipark" business park on 15 acres by the River Hull, say as many as 300 jobs could be created, in an area "hammered" by the recession.

Paul Dixon, of Ispace, said they were in talks with an overseas multi-national company which wants to move into the area.

"We are hoping to have them signed up within the next few weeks," he said.

"It will create new jobs. Their intention is to bring new plant into the area.

"We are also talking to at least two other people about new units but they are in the early stages at present."

He added: "It frustrates me as I'm driving around Hull that there are no tower cranes working.

"Once we put the road infrastructure in and people can start to get a picture that this is a great place on Hedon Road, close to the Docks and Saltend, they'll hopefully decide this is the place where they want to be."

The plans have not been without controversy, however, with some local residents concerned about how the site, close to St Giles Church. One objector asked whether it was right to "totally destroy the area especially around the church masking it with large, ugly and probably empty industrial metal sheds?"

Ispace is offering part of the site to the north as a buffer and public open space and memorial garden to commemorate a fatal fire at Humbrol. They are committed to start work at the same time as they begin refurbishing the 60,000 sq ft high bay warehouse at the front.

Mr Dixon said they were open to suggestions that it could also be used as a children's play area.

He said: "We don't have a problem with that whatever the local community want we will work with them and provide it."

Councillors Brenda Petch and Sheila Waudby, who met Mr Dixon yesterday, said they supported the plans.

Coun Petch said: "It seems to have really covered what's needed, jobs, the play area and of course the memorial garden."

Planners say it is clear from objections that the site is "valued locally" but say the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, and are recommending conditional approval at a meeting next Wednesday.

They conclude that the proposals would help stimulate regeneration and creation of jobs, adding: "On a major trunk road across the city a well designed wooded development would enhance the frontage to Hedon Road, improving the quality of the area."

The factory, which was famous for making Airfix model kits in the city for more than 50 years, has stood vacant since November 2006. It was sold two years ago to a consortium led by Paul Dixon.

Earlier this week, the Government ended months of uncertainty by confirming it would honour a 60m fund that would help the Humber become a world-leading hub for offshore wind turbine manufacture and create tens of thousands of jobs.