Local companies join forces to progress Yorkshire Energy Park plans
Two local companies have been unveiled as the businesses behind the potential development of the unique business park on the outskirts of the East Riding.
Although plans are in their infancy, Hull founded developer Sewell Group and Hessle based telecommunications company MS3 Networks say the Yorkshire Energy Park development could bring energy, data and education together with businesses in a first for Yorkshire.
The scheme is earmarked for the former aerodrome site within the boundary of Preston village, to the west of Hedon.
The two local businesses have also partnered with investment and development company Chiltern Group, who have delivered multi-million pound projects of this scale elsewhere.
A first stage of pre-application consultation has been undertaken with the Local Planning Authority, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and a project team has been appointed to prepare an outline planning application for submission later this year, to be determined in early 2017.
Early proposals are exploring the delivery of:
- A mixture of space for businesses operating in key strategic sectors for the region;
- A further/higher education space and associated accommodation, connected to the renewable energy and technology sectors;
- An energy centre providing private wire electricity to the wider Energy Park; and
- A data centre.
This major strategic development would be underpinned by affordable energy and data security provided by the energy and data centres. Innovation would be at the heart of the park, driven by the synergies expected between the occupiers of the education and business spaces.
If planning permission is granted for the scheme, developers say it will generate a significant number of employment opportunities for local people and attract new investment to the region.
Rob Cawkwell, Project Director at Sewell, who is leading the scheme on behalf of the consortium, said:
“It is at the very early stages and we are very keen to engage with all stakeholders, as well as ensuring good dialogue with both East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull local authorities.
“This is a strategic site for the Humber Estuary, which is the first of its kind in Yorkshire, bringing together businesses, data, energy and education all in one place.”
Sewell has a track record of delivering long term programmes of investment in the region, including the Hull Building Schools for the Future and NHS LIFT programmes, which transformed Hull’s education and health estates.
Rob said: “There is a lot of work to do and we want to do it in the right way.
“We are in it for the long haul and we are committed to local labour, with a proven track record of investing in the region to create economic and social impact.
“All partners involved are determined to work together for the good of the Humber Energy Estuary, which will play a wider role in the Yorkshire and UK economies.”
Public consultation events are planned in Preston, Hedon, Paull and Thorngumbald next month.
Residents and businesses are invited to attend any drop in session, to speak to the team and share their comments. Sessions will be held:
Wednesday 6th July
4-8pm
Preston Community Hall, Main Street, Preston, HU12 8SA
Saturday 9th July
10am – 1pm
Alexandra Hall, St Augustine’s Gate, Hedon, HU12 8EX
Tuesday 12th July
4pm – 7.30pm
Paull Village hall, Main Street, Paull, HU12 8AW
Thursday 14th July
4pm – 7.30pm
Thorngumbald Village Hall, Main Road, Thorngumbald, HU12 9NG
For further information visit www.yorkshire-energy-park.co.uk