Row over 500 police jobs moving to £20 million building on East Yorkshire business park

Plans by Humberside Police and Wykeland for a second building for the force, costing £20million, housing the major incident unit, the command centre and some IT functions, have been approved by East Riding Council under delegated powers.

The 9,960 sq m three-storey building will house staff from the command centre on Hessle Road, as well as officers based at the major incident unit at Bransholme police station and some other central support functions that are moving out of Hull.

Police and crime commissioner Keith Hunter claimed the impact on Hull's economy was "virtually zero" with people working at Melton, travelling from all over the force area.

He said those objecting were "in my view (complaining) without understanding really what they are complaining about".

He said: "The impact on the local economy is virtually non-existent, people travel in and out and at most they might go out for a sandwich or newspaper.

"This is a multi-million pound decision to make Humberside Police more efficient and effective – regardless of whether it is going to effect the local newsagent. We have to make these decisions based on the efficiency and effectiveness of Humberside Police."

He said staff were being moved to the "geographical centre of the force onto a major road network" and for many it would cut journeys.

However deputy Hull Council leader Daren Hale said the Labour Group begged to differ, adding: “I would respectfully suggest that Humberside Police are not regeneration experts.”

Coun Hale said the council had previously sent a strongly-worded letter of objection and were concerned about the loss of business rates and secondary spend, adding: “It is important for us that people don’t move these important jobs and roles out of the city.

“The city of Hull also benefits from business rates from these firms, money used to pay towards council services in Hull, whether it's theatres or regeneration.”

He said spending by police staff in "fairly deprived" communities could make the difference "between some of the small shops staying or going - that's the reality".

Campaigner Adam Fowler said the move could not have come at a worse time for the city, which is likely to be hard hit by a recession following on from the coronavirus pandemic.

Melton West houses a number of businesses which used to be in the city, including the distribution centre and head office for Heron Foods, which moved off Hessle Road, HQ for House of Townend, which used to be on Wincolmlee, Kohler Mira, originally on National Avenue and a distribution centre for Needlers Hygiene and Workwear, which was on Harpings Road.

Mr Fowler, a previous chairman of Hull Civic Society, said: "That's a massive impact on the city, particularly at a time post-Covid.

"What we are seeing is a vulnerable economy in Hull; the public sector can help sustain by having jobs based in the city."

"The worry is how many more jobs will be lost to Melton - particularly with the incentives enjoyed by Enterprise Zone status."

Neighbourhood policing will be unaffected.

West Hull and Hessle MP Emma Hardy MP said she was "very keen to keep a continued presence at Hessle Road and all agencies working together."

She said: "It is also important to note that the redeployment will not be happening for two years and I will be working very closely with Keith Hunter and Humberside Police to ensure they retain the ability to carry on policing our communities effectively.”

Wykeland Group said many businesses would have been lost to the local economy, had Melton West not been able to accommodate them in in bigger, purpose-built premises, which were not available in the city.

Hundreds of jobs had been created in the city centre through the ongoing regeneration of the Fruit Market - including the new 55,000 sq ft Arco head office, which will retain 500 jobs in the city centre.

A spokesperson added: “The development of Melton West has created well over 1,500 jobs, with the potential, ultimately, for around 5,000 jobs on site.

"A very significant proportion of those employed live in Hull and spend money in the city, so the benefit for Hull is very considerable.”