FREEPORT 36 is one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial and logistics developments; a brand new £130m, 220-acre commercial ecosystem that’s being brought forward by HBD in partnership with the landowner, St John’s College, Cambridge. Together we plan to deliver up to 5m sq ft of high-quality, sustainable accommodation which benefits from significant financial incentives for new occupiers.
FREEPORT 36 offers occupiers significant flexibility; from 50,000 sq ft units to more than 1m sq ft, with the potential for a single building exceeding 3m sq ft. That kind of scale is almost unheard of in the UK market, and we’re already in discussions with potential occupiers keen to be part of this new business community.
A little bit of history
HBD was chosen following a competitive process by landowner by St John’s College, Cambridge for our expertise in delivering complex, large-scale industrial and logistics projects and our reputation as a trustworthy, long-term partner.
Our collaborative and proactive approach has seen us build enduring relationships with other key strategic landowners such as the Crown Estate and the Devonshire Estate, partnerships founded on shared values and a commitment to create value and lasting impact.
From day one we assimilated that experience, rolling up our sleeves, formulating a best-in-class technical team, engaged with prospective occupiers and key stakeholders to develop a masterplan for the site.
A place with purpose
Our masterplan is far more than a collection of buildings, it reflects our deep knowledge of occupier requirements, evolving business needs and the specifications modern company’s demand. The result is a flexible masterplan, with the ability to design and deliver bespoke buildings – on both leasehold and freehold terms – while creating a thriving business community where employers can attract and retain talent, and where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
The site will feature walking and fitness trails, alongside a managed programme of events to bring people together. Education partnerships and connections with local groups will strengthen community links, while improved bus services and excellent local rail connections will make the site easy to reach and highly sustainable for employees and visitors.
Why Freeport status matters
Best of all? The location and status of FREEPORT 36 give this place its edge as it’s part of the approved Goole Freeport Tax Site. That unlocks significant financial benefits for eligible occupiers; from business rates savings and employer NI contribution relief to Stamp Duty relief and enhanced capital allowances.
Add in its excellent connections adjacent to junction 36 of the M62 and minutes from junction 7 of the M18, with close access to Goole Docks and the Humber Ports (the UK’s busiest), it’s easy to see why FREEPORT 36 is already generating such strong interest.
Sustainability at scale
Just as important is how the scheme will be delivered. FREEPORT 36 is Net Zero Carbon enabled and will meet the highest sustainability with 45 acres of high-quality on-site landscaping already in the plan, occupier amenity areas and access to the wider country park directly from the site – and scope to go further as the design evolves.
This is about long-term resilience as much as immediate opportunity: creating a place that can support a range of occupiers such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, science, agritech and energy generation for decades to come.
A regional game-changer
Once complete, FREEPORT 36 will create around 3,000 local jobs and a further 5,500 across Yorkshire and the Humber, alongside a pipeline of investment that will strengthen the region’s position as a hub for advanced industry.
We are drawing up plans to accelerate delivery on what will be a landmark project for HBD, for our partners at St John’s College, and for East Riding and the Humber.
FREEPORT 36 is set to become one of the UK’s most significant industrial and logistics schemes, a place where businesses can grow, people can thrive, and the region can prosper.
Want to be part of it? Get in touch and we’ll tell you more.
