IN THE past decade or so, a number of significant regeneration projects have been delivered in Hull, including the KC Stadium, The Deep, St Stephen's and Humber Quays, but regeneration has arguably stalled over the past few years due to the economic climate.

Things are now starting to look up and, thanks to the LEP, the Enterprise Zone, European funding, BSF and the positive attitude within the business community, now is the time to act on regeneration with the public and private sectors, working together to ensure improvements are delivered.

Green Port Hull is a prime example of public and private sector co-operation. The success of this project, coupled with the Enterprise Zone, will help to directly regenerate parts of the docks, but also has the potential to attract further inward investment in growth sectors that will help physical regeneration and also economic and social regeneration by delivering sustainable employment.

Horncastle Group has been involved in a number of regeneration projects in Hull. We are currently redeveloping a major site in west Hull, The Beacon. The development will include leisure and office uses for growing businesses and will create new employment opportunities. European funding has been secured for part of the project to help with the delivery of the first phase of offices. By working together, more sites like this can be developed for the wider benefit of the area.

Now is the time for the region to capitalise on the opportunities available and for businesses and the public sector to work together to regenerate the region and secure its future prosperity.