Work currently underway by Hull City Council and its partners to help kick start a huge wind turbine manufacturing project could create more than 700 jobs and have a knock-on effect through supply chains and future further investment, potentially delivering thousands more jobs for the region.

The proposed development at Alexandra Dock, known as Green Port Hull, is the site which, subject to final approval expected later this year, Siemens has chosen as its preferred location to build offshore wind turbines. Once up and running in 2014, it’s estimated the site would produce hundreds of turbines a year and create skilled roles in a wide range of supply chain industries relating to turbine assembly.

Other jobs would be created in legal and financial services, project management and specialist recruitment; plus other support roles including administration, cleaners and canteen staff.

 The council supported Associated British Ports (ABP) in convincing Siemens that Hull is the right location for them and, to maximise the benefits to the city and sub region, ABP has made a commitment to using local companies where possible in support of the project.

Local suppliers have been used since the beginning of the project and include construction consultants Gelder and Kitchen, for design of the public right of way consultation document and artistic impressions; Fred Marketing, for public engagement and marketing; and locally based law firm Andrew Jackson.

The council is also working alongside the University of Hull and Hull College to make sure the correct training is in place to create a highly skilled productive workforce, while local companies are working with the council to maximise supply chain benefits.

But the project will only get the go-ahead following the submission of a huge and detailed planning application which will need to be considered by Hull City Council’s planning committee.

That’s why a special project team within the council has been set up to help ensure that the application contains all the necessary information when submitted. The team involves experts from a wide range of backgrounds and specialist areas including lawyers, environmental health officers, town planners, and transport experts, who will advise on standards required from noise pollution to the impact on wildlife to traffic congestion. Mark Jones, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at Hull City Council, is leading the project team.

Mark Jones, Head of Economic Regeneration and Development, at Hull City Council, said: “The work of the council and its partners is essential in making sure the city benefits in every way it can from this development.

“It is important that we make sure the city realises the greatest potential from this vital opportunity. It is great to see that local companies are being used and shows the confidence."

Gelder and Kitchen
Fred Marketing
Andrew Jackson