Plans for a development which will help a key investment site in Suffolk drive economic growth have taken a significant step forward.
Gateway 14 on the A14 corridor in Stowmarket will provide space for warehousing and logistics businesses, as well as companies in the innovation sector, and developer Jaynic has now been appointed to oversee the scheme.
Part of the site falls within New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s ‘Space to Innovate’ Enterprise Zone, which comprises 10 sites across Norfolk and Suffolk and aims to create 18,500 jobs over the next 25 years.
Stowmarket Enterprise Park covers 17 hectares and is located on the edge of the town. Enterprise Zones offer companies discounted business rates, simplified planning and superfast broadband.
Gateway 14 Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council, has appointed Jaynic to manage the development on the 156-acre site, which is close to junction 50 of the A14.
It will provide up to 2.3 million sq ft of business, logistics and commercial accommodation over the next 10-15 years. A planning application will be submitted later this year, with the first buildings expected to be available in 2021/22.
The A14 corridor is one of the principal trunk routes for UK logistics offering access from the Port of Felixstowe into the heart of the UK. It is also a primary route for export to European and world markets. The site is 26 miles from the Port of Felixstowe, 12.5 miles to Ipswich and the A12, and 45 miles to M11 and links to Cambridge.
Julian Munson, Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation at New Anglia LEP, said: “We look forward to working closely with Jaynic, Gateway14 Ltd and Mid Suffolk District Council in delivering this strategically important development site on the A14 growth corridor.
“With part of Gateway 14 being designated as one of 10 ‘Space to Innovate’ Enterprise Zone sites, we expect this location to attract interest not only from Suffolk companies seeking to expand, but from across the world.”
The strategic aim is to benefit the wider economic area of Mid Suffolk, especially the growth of creative and technology businesses in the area, while maximising opportunities for inward investment, job creation and the wider community.
Jaynic says the masterplan layout is still being developed, but the site could accommodate logistics buildings on up to 1,000,000 sq ft, with roadside uses alongside the A14 frontage and office headquarters and campus-style R&D space.
Nic Rumsey, managing director of Jaynic, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Gateway 14. This is a key site for Stowmarket, and East Anglia as a whole. We look forward to working with Gateway 14 to attract a mix of occupiers providing a range of employment opportunities that could create thousands of jobs for the town.”
Sir Christopher Haworth, chairman of Gateway 14, said: “This is a very significant development for Suffolk. Its position on the A14, on a key transport route, will meet the demand for warehousing and logistics in the county and provide modern workspace for smaller businesses.
“The development is a very exciting prospect for the area and a tribute to the entrepreneurship of Mid Suffolk District Council in backing the purchase of the land by Gateway 14 Ltd.”
Cllr Suzie Morley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Our ambition is to create a high-quality, mixed-use business park that provides significant warehousing facilities but also supports our plans to make Stowmarket a centre of innovation in the East of England and create a range of employment opportunities for the surrounding area.”
Gateway 14 Ltd was established by Mid Suffolk District Council in 2018 to acquire and deliver the development of this site in Stowmarket. Since its incorporation, Gateway 14 has also acquired the Stowmarket East site.
For enquiries about New Anglia LEP’s Enterprise Zones, email [email protected] or visit www.newanglia.co.uk/enterprisezones
