A new £4 million business centre for companies in the renewables and environmental technology sectors has officially opened its doors during Humber Business Week.
The ergo centre is situated at the heart of the Energy Estuary, in a prime location on the Bridgehead business park, close to the Humber Bridge.
Operated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, in partnership with the University of Hull, ergo provides flexible and modern office space and conference facilities with on-site parking.
The official opening was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from the business community and industry leaders.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It’s fitting that the official opening of ergo takes place during Humber Business Week, which showcases the wealth of talent, entrepreneurship, vision and future potential of the region.
“This development is a key part of the council’s economic aspirations for the area and will help grow businesses in those sectors that strengthen the Humber’s reputation as the UK’s Energy Estuary.”
Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, said: “The university is delighted to be a partner in this fantastic building and we are pleased to have been actively engaged with East Riding of Yorkshire Council throughout its development.
“The Bridgehead location is superb and we believe the ergo partnership will provide further appeal for the businesses the Humber needs to support its long-term growth in the key areas of renewable energy and clean energy.”
The ergo project was developed by the council in conjunction with regeneration company Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Bridgehead, and construction of the facility was undertaken by Hessle-based contractor PDR Construction.
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Wykeland Group, said: “The ergo centre is the latest prestigious facility at Bridgehead and its opening marks another key landmark in the rapid growth of the business park.
“With outstanding credentials in terms of sustainability and respect for the natural environment, Bridgehead is the perfect location for a centre focused on companies in the renewables and environmental technology sectors.”
As well as £2m capital investment from the council, £1m was secured from the Government’s Local Growth Fund via the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), around £710,000 from the Green Port Growth Programme, supported by the Regional Growth Fund, and an equity investment from the University of Hull.
Lord Haskins, Chairman of the Humber LEP, said: “The partnership support for this project reflects the significance of the energy and renewables sectors to the Humber.
“The location of the ergo centre – so close to the estuary – provides excellent access for both banks of the Humber, which makes for easy access and transport for businesses across the region.
“With projects like ergo we are seeing important sectors in our region grow. This can only impact positively on our proposition to Government as we work to produce our local industrial strategy, with energy at the heart of our plans.”
Team Humber Marine Alliance has already moved into the centre and Chief Executive Mark O’ Reilly said: “Ergo is a fantastic facility and one we are now proud to call our home. It is ideally located to support our 200-plus members and partners from around the Humber region who operate in the maritime and offshore renewable energy industry.”
Local businesses are invited to come along to an Open Day at ergo on Wednesday, June 6, between 10am-3pm. As well as an opportunity to tour the new building, those attending will be able to discuss ways of reducing their carbon footprint and how to become more energy efficient with a range of exhibitors.
For further information about ergo visit www.ergoconnects.co.ukor follow @ergoconnects on Twitter.
