PM: 'everything in place' for Siemens' Hull factory
THE Prime Minister says "everything has been put in place" to ensure Siemens' proposed offshore wind turbine factory is located in Hull.
Speaking to the Mail at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham yesterday, David Cameron said he was "very enthusiastic" about securing investment in the factory at Alexandra Dock in east Hull.
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Green vision: An artist's impression of Green Port Hull at Alexandra Dock, Hull, which will include the Siemens factory.
The £80 million business as part of the Green Port Hull development will employ about 800 people, with about 10,000 more jobs created in the wider renewables industry.
Mr Cameron said: "I've spoken to Siemens about this on two occasions.
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"I'm very enthusiastic about this. It's very important for Hull and I think the Humber is an area that could develop a real expertise in renewable energy.
"It's a major energy resource and I also think it's very important to have local sourcing of the turbines."
Hull East MP Karl Turner said he is pleased the Prime Minister is saying positive things about Siemens and Green Port Hull. He said: "He now needs to make reassurances to Siemens directly and confirm definitely that the Government is supportive of offshore wind energy.
"Recent mixed messages from the Government regarding its renewables policy didn't help us locally.
"We are doing all we can to secure this investment for the city and the region's future."
Last week, Mr Cameron launched Nortec, a network of more than 40 organisations – including Siemens – which will help develop a "new industrial revolution" in offshore energy.
He said: "I recently set out a long-term framework for offshore energy, so I'm very enthusiastic about it and everything has been put in place for that investment to go ahead."
Mr Cameron is the latest senior figure to stress his support for the Hull turbine factory.
Two weeks ago, Nick Clegg told the Mail that he and Business Secretary Vince Cable were working "flat out" to ensure it got the green light.
Sam Pick, of the Renewables Network, said he was encouraged by Mr Cameron's comments. He said: "It builds on a huge amount of positive momentum here in the region for Green Port Hull.
"This week will also see 35 Scandinavian companies come over as part of a trade mission to have a look at the plans for Green Port Hull and the facilities on the South Bank.
"They will be meeting 70 Humber businesses as part of the trip."
Andrew Morton, account director at Hull firm Footprint Renewables, echoed his thoughts.
He said: "It's great that someone as senior as the Prime Minister recognises the importance of the Green Port Hull scheme and bringing Siemens to the city.
"His comments will be extremely reassuring for the entire region and it's hoped that this project, which has the potential to create hundreds of jobs, can indeed come to our region very soon.
"One thing that has been constant ever since the prospect of this development was first mentioned, has been the support and work by politicians of all parties to see Hull as the home for this wind turbine plan."
Comments
by Ambertigerfan
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 6:05AM
“Great, enough words, now time for action. When is it opening?”
by dontwo
Monday, October 08 2012, 7:34PM
“Heard rumour this was the company who knowingly manufactured the ovens and gas chambers for the Nazis final solution.
Not suggesting anyone connected to the company nowadays had anything to do with it, but lest we forget eh.”
by Wellbeloved3
Monday, October 08 2012, 1:08PM
“Everything in place except a coherent and long term energy strategy. The words shifting, goal & post spring to mind.
DC "I have spoken to Siemens TWICE" If he was so interested he would have spoken to them twice a WEEK!”
by Gazamund0
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:53AM
“WhoMeNever - erm, it was a joke about not knowing Castle Street in response to the comment about me never having driven down it. I lived in the city for 23 years, worked on the Marina and drove down there every working day last year at rush hour in both the morning and evening so I reckon I know as much about anyone the perceived 'gridlock'. It can sometimes take all of 15 minutes so travel down - well whoop de doo - build me a cable car to get along there.
Some people really dont have enough to worry about in their lives....”
by ek_its_chily
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:31AM
“Hopefully Siemens will start pruducing Blue Energy components in Hull also. How many times have you gone by a wind turbine and it is not moving? Or go by 13 of them and only 2 are turning?Tidal is the way forward - 200 times the amount of energy produced per square metre - and constant.
and by the by - who gives a sh#t about the road systems at this point. We have put up with a sh#te road system in Hull for years - don't let that hold us up. Get a bike - Hull is 10 miles by 7 miles (very approx), North Bransholme to Alex Dock could be an hour for a fatty like me but I'd do it if there was a job there for me. Hull men are men, Hull women are a resilient bunch so if the jobs are coming let us all get on board and worry about the other stuff later.”
by WhoMeNever
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:20AM
“@Gazamund0
Lived in Hull for 23 years or left Hull 23 years ago?
Castle street is the main road which joins Hedon Rd to the A63 and has existed for about, ooooh, 23 years!
Have a look at Google maps and you'll see where Castle St is.
It is a crippling bottleneck for east to west traffic and can often take half an hour to move a few hundred yards due to badly timed traffic lights, un-necessary traffic lights, etc.
If you are ever back ion Hull I suggest you try to drive from Hedon Rd to Hessle Rd using Castle St at about 4.45pm.”
by WhoMeNever
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:09AM
“#unified
No I really don't, I want to be proved wrong more than anything as I think Hull has so much to offer but is constantly given the 5hitty end of the stick by all levels of Government.
Hull could be sooo much better than it is and it genuinely upsets me at the constantly wasted opportunities and bad management which plagues this city.”
by BazTillo
Monday, October 08 2012, 11:02AM
“I really do hope this comes off just seems to be dragging on waiting for the go ahead, it will be great for our young people who want to work and gain a good career in a new industry. Correct me if i'm wrong but they are to do extensive work on Castle Street to cope with the extra traffic which to be fair has been needed for a number of years. This project will transform Hull into a better city, there is a lot of work being carried out in Hull centre at the moment but also a lot more needed all the roads leading into the centre. People are still ranting over the fishing industry we lost 30 odd years ago yeah it was a shame but it's old history now and we all collectively need to move on and support this new scheme (Siemens) which i personnally believe is a brilliant opportunity for our youth, i give it all my support and hope the council and goverment don't mess it up for us. Siemens can put Hull on the map in a big way!!”
by Gazamund0
Monday, October 08 2012, 10:59AM
“Foxache - yeah you're right, I only lived in Hull for 23 years.... Where is this Castle Street you speak of? Never heard of it.
It really does astonish me that the best opportunity for people to develop a decent career working with a high-paying global company since, well ever, is on the cusp of coming to the city and people are moaning about a couple of hundred extra cars.”
by SantiagoSam
Monday, October 08 2012, 10:55AM
“There is still every chance that Councillor Brady and The Socialist Dinosaurs can lose this”