Enterprise Zone brings hope of 5,000 new jobs

NEARLY 5,000 jobs could be created over the next four years after the Government approved plans for the region’s third Enterprise Zone to be set up around the Humber.

Ministers will announce today that a 375-hectare site spanning both banks of the river will become the Humber Waterside Enterprise Zone, where companies setting up will enjoy business rate discounts, superfast broadband, tax incentives and fast-track planning.

Business and council leaders hope the move will allow up to 4,850 jobs to be created by 2015 as they seek to attract major manufacturers of offshore wind turbines. Companies will save an estimated £7.9m through business rate discounts.

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There is set to be disappointment in Scarborough with the Government rejecting an application to turn Scarborough Business Park into another Zone.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “Too many of our towns and cities have been left behind, but the answer has never been to impose ineffective sprawling regional structures. It is local business and commerce that drive the private sector growth, jobs and wealth this country needs.

“This Government’s job is to foster local enterprise and create the conditions for businesses to thrive in.”

The Humber zone – one of 22 being set up by the Government to stimulate economic recovery – will cover land on both sides of the estuary including the site at Alexandra Dock in Hull which Siemens has earmarked for a wind turbine factory, Queen Elizabeth Dock and the southern end of the Able marine energy park at Killingholme on the South Bank.