Funding approved for Killingholme Marshes

12/03/2010

The Yorkshire Forward Board yesterday committed up to £3.76million to fund drainage improvements on the Killingholme Marshes area of the South Humber Gateway, to enable the development of the site into a hub for renewable energies.

As Trevor Shaw our Executive Director of Finance for Yorkshire Forward and Board Member for the South Humber Gateway explains: “The Killingholme Marshes is the largest available development site for inward investment and job creation in the Yorkshire and Humber region. It provides 27 per cent of the UK’s refinery capacity and is the last undeveloped deep water channel in the UK.

“With this funding in place, we can start to unlock significant economic and employment potential and enable this site to be a major centre for renewable energies.”

Following Government’s license awards for offshore wind generation, the site has major potential to attract investment as a base for wind turbine manufacture, installation and maintenance. Equally, the site has potential in the bio-fuel, bio-mass industries and the infrastructure to develop carbon capture and feedstock for the creation of sustainable energy sources.

Yorkshire Forward is working closely with both North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council to ensure the new drainage system is put into place for the Killingholme Marshes.

Cllr Mark Kirk, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "This is the news we have been waiting many years to hear. It is a massive boost for jobs and investment.  It will provide the funding for the drainage of the whole of Killingholme Marshes. Without this scheme, we simply cannot approve planning applications.  That will now change.  It will send out a very positive signal to potential inward investors.   Once complete, it will open up hundreds of hectares of prime land for development.  Yorkshire Forward is to be commended for having the vision to back this scheme, at a time when the demands on its funds have never been more intense.
 
"This shows Yorkshire Forward's confidence in the South Humber Gateway.  It is excellent news not just for the South Bank of the Humber but for both banks."

Councillor Andrew De Freitas, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The draining of the Killingholme Marshes provides an exciting regeneration opportunity.  It will allow the site to be developed as a focal point for both future investment and the creation of new jobs.  At a time when the local economy has suffered due to the recession, we are constantly striving to up-skill our workforce and maximise employment opportunities.”

Speaking after a meeting with the South Humber Gateway Board in Scunthorpe, Rosie Winterton, Minister for Yorkshire and Humber said: “From the meeting I have had with MP’s and Councillors I know what an important development this is and I am delighted that YF is investing up to £3.76million in the scheme.”

The works will include widening of the current drainage system, building culverts, the construction of a foreshore pump house, installation and commissioning of electric pumps and the provision of electric supply.

More information

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Leona Thompson, Senior Press Manager on 0113 3949589 or email Leona.thompson@yorkshire-forward.com

Yorkshire Forward

  • Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region. 
  • Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objectives One and Two programmes and the 2007-2013 Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programmes.