Green businesses targeted by hospital site developers

Hull Council and developers Stoneferry Estates say the park, directly opposite the King George Dock entrance, in Hedon Road, will create a “high quality campus style business area in a parkland environment,” accommodating about 500 workers.

The park, covering 11 acres, will be funded and built by Stoneferry Estates, with the council receiving a share of the profits.

As part of the city’s Enterprise Zone, potential occupants will be offered fast-track planning and tax breaks.

The first phase will include a major, 42,000 sq ft feature building, offering flexible space to let to businesses.

Director Paul Dixon, whose current project, a business park on the site of the former Humbrol factory in Hedon Road, is in its final stages of completion, said the market was “definitely picking up”.

Mr Dixon said: “There is definitely a renewed hive of activity.

“I am a hell of a lot more optimistic than I was a year ago.

“Everybody is hoping that Siemens (the German company planning to open a wind turbine factory in Hull) is going to happen and there’s lots of vibes to suggest it is. We have a lot of property in Hull and East Riding and very little vacant space.

“We are a local company and all our investment portfolio is in Hull and East Riding.

“We take great pride in having been the providers of new facilities for a number of new businesses, together with local and national companies that are expanding.

“We see the Kingston Parklands Site as an excellent new build location for new companies wishing to invest in the city and existing companies who are looking to relocate.”

Council leader Steve Brady declined to comment on Siemens, but said he expected the city “to turn into a positive story” which would make some members of the national press “swallow their words”.

He added: “Everything is tying up very nicely in the Hedon Road corridor.

“Certainly I think a lot of companies will be taking advantage of the opportunities there and also the Government help in that area.

“This can only be good news for local contractors and suppliers.”

Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: “This is a hugely important piece of the City Plan as Kingston Parklands will support business growth and job creation, especially within the renewables sector.”

Stoneferry Estates will shortly be going out to tender for the first phase of the development.

Alan Wood & Partners, which has its head office in Hull, has been appointed to manage the delivery of the scheme. Managing director Nick Ward said they were delighted to have been selected.