1,500 ‘AMAZON’ JOBS BOOM
PLANS WOULD SEE THE BIGGEST LOCAL EMPLOYMENT DRIVE IN DECADES
A JOBS boom that could see 1,500 opportunities created is on the horizon following the submission of new plans for a multi-million-pound logistics facility in Melton.
The plans have been submitted by developers Wykeland Group for the state-of-the-art facility, which would be around the same size as 30 football pitches, at the Melton West business park, just off the A63.
The proposed £150m development could represent the biggest single job creation scheme in the region for decades.
The plans suggest the hi-tech facility would create between 1,300 and 1,500 direct jobs, with up to a further 500 in the supply chain and even more jobs generated during the busiest months of operation.
The developers have not named who the user of the site would be, describing them as a “logistics operator”, but have previously refused to deny that it would be global retail giant Amazon.
The construction phase of the development could also support more than 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs directly, with an estimated 1,200 more in the supply chain during the build.
The plans say the facility would provide a wide range of new employment opportunities, from warehouse roles through to technologists and logistics experts, as well as management, administration and finance roles.
The Melton site, west of Hull, has been selected from several competing locations across the North of England for the £150m inward investment.
Pending planning approval, it is anticipated that construction would begin next spring and the facility would be operational in autumn 2022.
Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “We are delighted to bring forward this planning application, which has resulted from 18 months of work with the end user to develop a scheme that meets their operationa l requirements, delivers huge economic benefits and enhances the woodland and wildlife environment on the boundary of the site.
“Melton West has been zoned in East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Local Plan for major employment uses since 1996 and we have been delivering on the council’s economic development vision for the past 15 years.
“During that time we have continually invested in the infrastructure on the site to ensure it is ‘ oven ready’ to support sustained business growth and job creation.
“This proposal delivers on the Local Plan’s designation of the area for ‘major employment developments that use, produce, store or distribute bulky goods, complementing the smaller employment sites elsewhere in the East Riding and city of Hull’.
“Following the impact of Covid-19, the number and range of jobs this development will deliver are needed now, more than ever, and will be critical to the region’s economic recovery.
“The operator will prepare and nd agree an employment and training ng plan with the local authority, which ch will promote recruitment in the he local area and outline opportunities es for training.”
The proposed global retail ail logistics facility is planned for a 61-acre site, with over 40 per cent of the area retained as green space.
The planning application also includes comprehensive proposals for the creation of a 50m-wide biodiversity and wildlife corridor to enhance and extend the existing 35-acre Long Plantation tree belt, which features a section of the Wolds Way and separates the village of North Ferriby from the development site.
Created in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the proposed nine-acre buffer zone will feature four interlinked acoustic bunds, a new 1km footpath with interpretive signage, connecting through to the Wolds Way, and extensive new planting including trees, grasslands and wildflowers.
Mr Gibbons added: “A key element of this application is the creation of the biodiversity and wildlife corridor on the inner boundary of the development site, immediately tel adjacent adj t to t Long L Pla Plantation. t ti
“These plans have been worked up in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and will significantly enhance the existing woodland area between the business park and North Ferriby and create a very special environment for both employees on site and local residents to enjoy.
“We have a long-established partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at our Bridgehead business park near the Humber Bridge involving the development and maintenance of a woodland trail. We have used this nature trail for annual art engagement projects with local schools.”
Hull-based Wykeland recently gained planning approval from East Riding Council for a 123,000sq ft “last mile” warehouse and distribution centre on a neighbouring site at
Melton lt West W t business b i park. k
Construction of this consented development will begin before Christmas with the building of a new roundabout in Brickyard Lane to facilitate access to and from the A63. Work on the logistics facility will start early in the new year and it is expected to be operational by next summer.
To date, Wykeland has developed nearly 800,000sq ft of warehouse, distribution and manufacturing space at Melton West business park.
Currently under construction is a 110,000sq ft new command and control centre for Humberside Police and a 40,000sq ft head office and distribution facility for an as yet unnamed local business, both of which will be completed in 2021, while detailed consent is now in place for a further 200,000sq ft of development.
A key element of this application is the creation of the biodiversity and wildlife corridor Dominic Gibbons