Steel framework appearing on the Stallingborough skyline marks a milestone in North East Lincolnshire Council’s transformation of the area’s industrial landscape.
Burgeoning Lincolnshire green energy firm, myenergi, will be the anchor tenant on a new ‘oven-ready’ Business Park. Part of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme, (SHIIP), the Park is currently under development on the edge of the A1173 just off the A180.
Company co-founders managing director Lee Sutton, and Jordan Brompton, visited the site to see the structure of their new purpose-built HQ, offices and production unit going up. They were joined by representatives from their landlords at North East Lincolnshire Council, the authority’s regeneration partner ENGIE and build contractors Houlton.
With the steel frame finished this week (w/c Monday July 27) work is well on schedule with a build completion early in 2021. The 15,500 sq. ft. unit incorporates office space with product development, manufacturing, and research areas. There is also an option to construct a large warehouse on the adjoining site as part of the firm’s phase two development plans.
The premises’ construction is aided by a £950k grant through the Local Growth Fund, Humber Growth Deal grant programme, secured by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. With North East Lincolnshire Council as landlord, the myenergi, council and ENGIE teams have worked closely with Houlton to ensure the needs of the company are met.
“We just cannot wait to move in now. We are growing quickly in an emerging market and just thrilled this move enables us to remain in the region, employing and giving opportunity to local people – we would never want to turn our back on our local community,” enthused Jordan.
“Myenergi is now known in the national and global marketplace and we are determined to show Grimsby as a leader in green energy. We are the first here, and we hope to see other complementary businesses join us – wouldn’t it be great to see a renewables cluster on this Park,” she added.
Currently employing 60 people, the firm has temporarily moved into the old Wickes building on Alexandra Retail Park in Grimsby and is still using its existing Binbrook base. Upon its move to the new premises it plans to double its workforce within the next 18 months.
North East Lincolnshire Council Deputy Leader and regeneration lead, Cllr John Fenty, stressed the importance of the authority triggering such progress by acting as landlord.
“The council has taken the lead in developing this site and developing what is a strong landlord and tenant partnership, ensuring the needs of the tenant are met. To see cranes working here is what it’s all about and we are delighted that the myenergi team has stayed here. This is a great start for SHIIP,” said Cllr Fenty.
Regional construction firm Houlton has made good progress in delivering the £2.2m contract. Managing Director Andy Kingston said: “We are rightly proud to be part of this project and the first to develop on this site. We would like to think we can set the standard for the rest of the Park.”
This new Stallingborough Business Park is part of the council’s ambitious SHIIP (South Humber Industrial Investment Programme). With a goal to create up to 3,000 jobs within the next decade, SHIIP comprises of the Park, the new Humber Bank Link Road and the award-winning Cress Marsh wildlife and bird mitigation site.
Also, part of the programme is the A1173 highway improvement work, with a new roundabout under construction to gain access to the Park. The work is progressing well and due to switch over to the other side of the carriageway this month. The one-way system will remain however motorists are advised that there will be no additional disruption when the carriageway works switches to the other side of the road, due to take place on the week of Monday, August 17.
Due for completion in December it will see the new roundabout and access roads and improvements to the approach to the A180. Improvements to the CATCH roundabout have already been completed.
Article and image from NELC.
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