Strong interest has been expressed in the enterprise zone currently being finalised to help Grimsby realise its ambitions to become a hub for offshore wind farm operations and maintenance.
Two areas on the North Wall have been selected, after the application was made to increase the zones already confirmed in the Humber region, following the British Aerospace announcement of 900 job losses at Brough, on the North Bank.
And a strong message from the local authority is that investment support around the sector will not be limited to that area of Port of Grimsby East, the rebranded fish docks, if a case can be made.
Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council , said: “ We have got the 11 hectares confirmed. That is signed, sealed and done. We are now going through the detailed side of that with the two Government departments, Business Innovation and Skills, and Communities and Local Government. We just need to sort out the appropriate governance and how we go about fast-tracking things like planning. It is all very positive.
“ There is so much activity out there. If we can work with businesses and be responsive and proactive we can do it. I hope within 12 months to have a series of announcements. The interest went through the roof following the announcement from across the sectors.
“ We are trying not to lose interest now from those who may have misinterpreted what the enterprise zone is targeting (offshore O&M) and keep those people on board too. We are looking at how we can fast-track what is normally a long process .”
As reported, Europarc is now being put forward as a supported area to aid food- specific businesses, with the consultation launched into Kerry Foods the trigger to reignite what had first been part of an application by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
“ If people want to come here, we will make the representations to Government.
“ If it is that big, we are happy to jump on a train to back it, ” said Mr Longhurst .
“ Because of the potential we have seen, what we are choosing to do is set it out as an ever-expanding zone for Grimsby Docks, for operations and maintenance, and anyone associated with that .”
The local authority and development partner Balfour Beatty is working with all stakeholders, including Associated British Ports, and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, and is part of Grimsby Renewables Partnership.
“ It was quite a direct response from the authority in terms of time, ” said Mr Longhurst , who set out the authority’s position now with a clear agenda to promote sustainable growth.
“ Everything coming out of Government at the moment is either private-led or private supported. Some things we will lead, other things we will support or will engage with. We are looking at our structure and mechanisms and thinking what we can make easier.
“ We are analysing everything, whether we are leaders, supporters or stakeholders. We are looking at how we can do what we do transparently, fast and responsibly .”
[mappress] Offshore WIND Staff, March 01, 2012;