Plans have been submitted for a 44,000 sq ft distribution centre at Gateway 14 at Stowmarket. 

Gateway 14 Ltd, a subsidiary of Mid-Suffolk District Council, and development partner Jaynic’s has applied for the new centre, which is for a major supplier of eco-friendly construction materials. 

The unit will be delivered via a freehold development agreement and if granted, construction is expected to start in early Summer.

Gateway 14’s Freeport status and associated tax benefits, together with the site’s commitment to sustainability, are seen as an attractive option.  Gateway 14 will be home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution hub for garden and leisure retailer The Range later this year.

Mid Suffolk District Council also recently approved a business case for a new £18 million Skills and Innovation Centre for Gateway 14 to help address the local skills gaps and seize opportunities around growing sectors such as digital/AI technology and the green economy.

Sir Christopher Haworth, chairman of Gateway 14, said: “We are delighted that more companies are looking at relocating to Gateway 14.  Together with the Range distribution hub and plans progressing for the new skills and innovation centre, people can see how Gateway 14 is taking shape and start to understand its significance for the region.”  

Jaynic’s development director Ben Oughton, said: “We are pleased to be making strong headway at Gateway 14 where potential occupiers see the benefits that Gateway 14 provides with its freeport status as well as underlining its locational advantages sitting next to Junction 50 of the A14 providing direct trunk road access into the UK motorway system.

“This follows on from the 1.17m sq ft distribution hub building for The Range that was completed at the end of last year and will be in occupation before the Autumn.”

The development is committed to meeting a BREEAM Very Good while aiming Excellent where possible as well as delivering low carbon and net zero solutions. 

Agents for the project are Savills and Avison Young.

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