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Humber Freeport wins seed funding

[ February 27, 2026   //   ]

Humber Freeport has received £1.3m of funding from the Government’s Site Accelerator Grant (SAG) which aims to help operators advance projects which unlock prime development land and help to secure inward investment.

It says it has received the largest proportion of funding of any of the UK’s 12 freeports, highlighting the region’s powerful investment proposition and connectivity and infrastructure advantages.

The funding will be distributed across all three of the Humber Freeport tax sites – in Hull, Goole and Immingham – and covers a broad scope of projects. They include the second stage of a study with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure grid connectivity to the Goole tax site, and support for operator Able UK to deliver a final business case for its offshore wind and renewables hub in Immingham.

Humber Freeport chief executive Simon Green said: “This funding is recognition of the strong progress already made in the Humber to attract major investments at our tax sites, and contribute significantly to regional economic growth.

“We have already seen well over £1.5bn pledged to developments across the three tax sites, but there is still much work to be done to provide developers and investors with the support and conditions to maximise their potential.

“We have entered a pivotal phase at Humber Freeport and our focus is now firmly on seeing these investments progress and be delivered.”

A portion of the SAG funding will support the development of a revised economic masterplan for the Hull East tax site – which comprises Saltend Chemicals Park, Yorkshire Energy Park, the Humber International Enterprise Park and part of the eastern side of the Port of Hull. It will identify opportunities for investments in target sectors across the tax site, with a focus on supporting end users to progress with developments.

Funding will also support the design and procurement stage for a transport and highways upgrade around Hull East.

At both the Goole and Hull East tax sites, funding will also accelerate the second stage of a study with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to identify opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain for investors, ensuring that they can maximise land within the tax sites, while contributing to environmental wellbeing.

In Goole, a study with East Riding Council is also ongoing to ensure grid connectivity for occupiers at the tax site, removing a major barrier to development.

The SAG funding is separate from the Government’s Strategic Sites Accelerator, due in the coming months. The £600m fund was included in the Government’s 10-year Industrial Strategy and will provide substantial support to unlock key sites within freeports and investment zones.

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