Hull Forward launched

An urban regeneration company which helped channel £730m of private sector investment to Hull city centre has been re-launched to take in the entire city.
Set up in 2002 as a catalyst in the renewal of derelict and disused sites, Citybuild set a target of creating 5,600 new retail and service sector jobs and 2,100 office jobs as part of a city centre 'masterplan'.
The organisation, part funded by Hull City Council, made huge strides in achieving those goals working with developers to bring the St Stephen's shopping centre to Hull - which alone created 1,200 jobs - and developing the city's office quarter at Humber Quays.
It also played a lead role in negotiations for future schemes including plans to regenerate the Fruit Market district of the city and plans to revitalise the east bank of the River Hull.
At the start of this month, Hull City Council (together with partners Yorkshire Forward and English Partnerships) restructured and re-launched Citybuild as Hull Forward - a brand new economic development company for the city.
"Hull Forward will build on Citybuild's success and add to the range and pace of economic development and physical regeneration," said John Holmes, chief executive of Hull Forward.
"We'll take in the whole city and focus on developing Hull's potential with ports, value added logistics, healthcare technologies and renewable energy."
Hull Forward will provide a central point of contact for business and investment enquiries, particularly amongst important external investors, making it easier for them to invest in Hull.

For more information visit www.hull.co.uk or call 387450.