Government asked to sign off on Goole tax site

The footprint for a freeport tax site in the East Yorkshire town, amounting to around 500 acres, has been submitted for approval as the Humber Freeport takes shape.

Humber Freeport was officially launched in July, with renewable energy named as a key target. Hull, Goole, Immingham and Grimsby’s ports are included, along with three “tax sites” at Hull East, Able Marine Energy Park and Goole.

Companies investing in these sites will receive land tax relief, business rates relief, enhanced capital allowances and National Insurance contribution relief for employers.

Simon Bird, chair of Humber Freeport, said: “Submitting the footprint for the Goole tax site represents an exciting and significant milestone for Humber Freeport.

“Each of our three tax sites – in Hull, Goole and Immingham – offers something completely unique. The Goole tax site benefits from a strategically significant location, suitable for advanced manufacturing and other sectors, with easy access to the M62 motorway, excellent rail connections and port links to the Humber Estuary.

“Goole has seen major investment from global companies who have already seen the huge opportunity it presents. Freeport status further enhances that opportunity, opening up new corridors of development and economic growth.”

Now formally submitted, the boundary map for the Goole freeport tax site comprises undeveloped land, next to the existing Goole 36 Enterprise Zone.

The 494-acre plot is split into two plots separated by the M62 motorway. Inward investors to have committed to the area in recent years include train builder Siemens Mobility (immediately adjacent to the tax site) and FTSE-listed chemicals specialist Croda.