RB reveals it has bought large empty site next to its Hull factory

Health giant RB has confirmed it has bought a large piece of derelict land close to its current Hull site.

The land, on the corner of Cleveland Street and Chapman Street, lay disused until developer Allenby Commercial acquired the site.

Allenby said it completed some initial groundworks on the land, which covers 4.7 acres, before a business approached them who wanted to purchase it.

That business has now been confirmed as RB, which currently operates a facility in nearby Dansom Lane, east Hull.

While exact plans for the site have not been revealed by RB, former owner Allenby said the sale could create “a new establishment which will support job creation in Hull.”

A statement from RB said: “Leading global health, hygiene and home company RB can confirm it has purchased 4.7 acres of land adjacent to its current site.

The site in Cleveland Street bought by RB (Google Street View)

“Whilst there are currently no definitive plans for the land, the purchase demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Hull site and provides flexibility around its future operations in the city.

“Hull is the birth place of the original Reckitt business (established 1840) and is a key site for the company’s multi-million-pound innovation pipeline and global manufacturing operations.”

Future plans for the site have not been revealed by RB.

However, the size of the site could indicate the firm has plans for expansion at its Hull base in the future.

Property firm Allenby Commercial said of its involvement in the site: “We acquired a great 4.7-acre piece of land on Cleveland/Chapman Street.

“Shortly after acquiring the site and completing site remedial works, we were approached by a company who wanted to purchase the site off us to invest heavily into the site, creating a new establishment which will support job creation in Hull, so it was sold to them.”

RB – formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser – has been rooted in Hull for over 150 years.

The FTSE 100 business is currently putting the finishing touches to its £105m Centre for Scientific Excellence in Hull.

Once completed, it will be single biggest investment in the company’s history.