Plans for a huge new business park in Suffolk have moved a step closer to reality.
Initial plans for Gateway 14 were conditionally approved by Mid Suffolk District Council in August. The 2.45 million square foot, innovation, business and logistics park, in Stowmarket, is earmarked for a site next to the A14.
Gateway 14 has been described as the “most important commercial development in Suffolk for some years,” by Chris Starkie, of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
It looks set to create thousands of jobs and bring a massive boost to the region’s economy, but local planners are seeking to further mitigate its impact on the environment and neighbouring communities.
The cross-party planning committee approved the hybrid application subject to bolstering recommendations by planning officers by adding conditions around landscaping, biodiversity,construction traffic, and a Section 106 agreement – a legal obligation for a developer to contribute to community facilities.
Mr Starkie added: “We need well paid jobs to rebuild our economy and fund the public services that we all rely on.
“The Gateway 14 site offers a great opportunity to provide growing space for existing business in Stowmarket and Mid Suffolk and the wider area, many of whom need more space and are already been lost to the local area, but it also provides a huge opportunity to attract innovative new businesses offering high quality jobs to our local residents,”
Gateway 14 is a development by Gateway 14 Ltd (wholly owned by Mid Suffolk District Council) and partner Jaynic.
Ben Oughton, development director for Jaynic, said: “This is tremendous news for Stowmarket and the region. Gateway 14, with its Freeport designation and proximity to Felixstowe, has already attracted significant interest from potential occupiers.”
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chairman of Gateway 14 Ltd said: “As we meet this important milestone, I am delighted that we can move forward with this development, bringing new businesses, employers and jobs to the region.”
Council Leader Suzie Morley commented: “Gateway 14 will deliver a significant economic boost for Stowmarket and the wider Mid Suffolk region. The site will allow the creation of a range of jobs as well as space for new businesses helping to build a place where people are proud to live and work.”
Jaynic will be appointing contractors to go on site in the coming months to construct the estate road infrastructure, services and landscaping. It could be delivering buildings by the second quarter of 2022. High-quality landscaping is also set to deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%, retaining the site’s thriving ecology whilst creating a vibrant and healthy working environment.
Agents for the scheme are Savills and Avison Young.
About Gateway 14
The landmark development is strategically located in a prime position along the A14, perfectly situated for logistics and manufacturing. The A14 provides access to Ipswich and Felixstowe, as well as the A12 and the wider national motorway network.
Gateway 14 bridges the gap between the Midlands and one of Europe’s largest and busiest container ports at Felixstowe and is the country’s primary route for export to European and global markets, opening gateways to business.
Forty-two acres (17HA) of Gateway 14 has designated enterprise zone and food Enterprise status. Incentives include business rates relief of up to £275,000 over five years.