Lindum Group has officially broken ground on a significant expansion project for CATCH, the membership-led industrial training organisation based in Stallingborough.

The development will extend the existing CATCH head office and conferencing facility and provide a modern, future-ready space to help deliver critical skills for the Humber’s low-carbon future.

The new building will include a central atrium, lecture theatre, event and breakout space, AR/VR suite, and a new Board Room, all designed to support the growing demand for skilled workers in the energy and engineering construction sectors.

The project is backed by £4 million of funding from Humber Freeport and forms part of CATCH’s wider strategy to scale up the number of tradespeople needed to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that supports the UK’s energy security.

Lindum Co-chair Freddie Chambers said: “We are delighted to be working with CATCH on a scheme that will make a real difference to industry and communities across the Humber. This expansion will not only enhance the excellent training provision already in place, but will also create new spaces for innovation, collaboration, and future-focused skills development.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on site to mark the start of the construction programme, bringing together public sector investors, industry sponsors, CATCH board members, and key regional stakeholders.

Speakers at the event included David Talbot, CEO of CATCH, Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, local MPs Melanie Onn and Martin Vickers, and Cllr Phillip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council.

Katie Hedges, Chief Strategy Officer at CATCH, said: “Our new centre will play a vital role in accelerating the Humber’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting our members and new investors, nurturing clean growth businesses, and strengthening ties with local universities, this facility will create skilled jobs, support the supply chain, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.”

The expansion is part of a wider initiative to lead academic partnerships, promote STEM careers, deliver educational outreach, and offer reskilling and upskilling opportunities for those employed or seeking employment in the Humber’s growing industrial cluster.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, said: “Alongside driving investment through our tax sites, Humber Freeport launched with three key focuses – innovation, decarbonisation and skills.

“CATCH’s expansion, supported by significant private sector investment, will advance the region’s capabilities in all of those areas, creating a talent pool for employers to tap into and ensuring our region has the skilled people it needs to unlock growth.

“The Government has this week published its Industrial Strategy, and within it, made one thing very clear – the clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. As the pre-eminent energy cluster in north west Europe, the scale of opportunity we have in the Humber to drive the UK’s green industrial revolution is enormous.

“Humber Freeport is pleased to be supporting CATCH with its ambitious expansion, as we continue to work closely with the organisation and its industrial partners to understand how freeport status can act as a powerful tool to help the Humber achieve its strategic objectives.”

Cllr Phillip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said “This is great news for North East Lincolnshire. It provides great training opportunities for learners in NEL, particularly young people and preparing them for a future with well paid skilled jobs. We are very proud of the model where we work in partnership with industry to shape training programmes to meet their needs and focus on where the job growth is and we believe that, in close partnership with the Freeport and our new Mayoral Combined County Authority, this is just the start of delivering an improved skills and training offer in our region.”