Mayor Luke Campbell has unveiled the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority's Local Growth Plan, a comprehensive 10-year framework designed to drive economic expansion across the region. The plan, which has received Government approval, is built around four central pillars known as the 'Big Plays', targeting key investment opportunities in the Humber Freeport, Hull's Western Docklands, and regional transport improvements.
Key Investment Opportunities
The Growth Plan identifies the region's most significant investment prospects, including the Humber Freeport sites in Hull and Goole, the ambitious regeneration of Hull's Western Docklands, and the long-term development potential of Bridlington Bay. Additionally, it highlights sites with strong potential for future housing development, such as land south of Thorpe Hall in Howden, which could accommodate over 1,800 homes.
Big Play Delivery Plans
The plan incorporates detailed 'Big Play Delivery Plans' outlining how each pillar will be implemented. For instance, under the 'backing local business' Big Play, the Combined Authority will identify and support industries and firms with significant growth potential, as well as those that can connect to supply chains of growth-driving sectors.
Mayor Campbell expressed confidence in the plan's ambitions: "Yes it's ambitious, but it should be. We can get there, we can do it. Everything in the Growth Plan is possible. That's the exciting thing. There's nothing in there that's unrealistic."
Transport Connectivity
Enhanced public transport networks are a key priority, drawing inspiration from successful models like Greater Manchester's Bee Network. Mayor Campbell emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity between communities across the region. "We're in the process of setting up consultations and me going round the region, talking to people on the doorsteps, talking to local Parish Councils and residents on what their needs are for transport and what's missing. All that residents are after is a reliable, affordable way for them to get from A to B as smooth as possible."
He added: "We do a lot of services to York from Market Weighton and Beverley, they're always busy. But I want to drive our economy towards Hull. I want people in the region to spend in the region. I don't want to drive people out of the region to go spend in York, Sheffield, Leeds, or Manchester."
The Local Growth Plan represents a bold vision for the region's future, aiming to establish Hull and East Yorkshire as a compelling destination for investment while improving the quality of life for its residents.
