Local gathered to witness the official unveiling of a cutting-edge 1.17 million sqft warehouse at Gateway 14, the state-of-the-art business, innovation, and logistics park.
Located near junction 50 of the A14 in Stowmarket, the official opening took place on Tuesday 21st November 2023.
Constructed by Gateway 14 Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council, in collaboration with development partner Jaynic and contractor Winvic Construction Ltd, the facility will serve as the new distribution centre for The Range.
Gateway 14 Chair, Sir Christopher Haworth, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is a great day for Stowmarket and the surrounding region. Not only does it bring over 1,600 jobs to this prime location, but it also delivers the first building on the new highly sustainable, mixed-use Gateway 14 development, set in an attractive parkland setting. We already have further strong interest in the park and expect to be able to identify new occupiers in the near future.”
Mid Suffolk District Council leader Cllr Andrew Mellen highlighted the significance of The Range’s operations in Stowmarket, creating hundreds of new jobs and boosting the local economy.
He emphasised the building’s high environmental standards, aligning with the overall goal of making the entire development an exemplar of sustainable practice.
Alexander Simpkin, CEO at The Range, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to receive the keys to this best-in-class distribution centre, which is a key milestone in The Range’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining logistics and supporting the expansion of our retail store network and website in the UK.”
Winvic’s Director of Industrial, Distribution, and Logistics, Danny Nelson, commended the sustainability features of Gateway 14, while Ben Oughton, Development Director of Jaynic, noted their collaboration with The Range to create a benchmark for future sustainable buildings.
Gateway 14, benefiting from Freeport East status, offers businesses a range of benefits, including tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements.
Gateway 14 focuses on sustainability, featuring high specification buildings with EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems, and rainwater harvesting.
The commitment to a Very Good BREEAM rating and low carbon solutions is evident, with The Range’s distribution facility achieving BREEAM Excellent.
The development prioritises accessibility, integrating walking and cycling routes, public transport links, and local amenities.
Biodiversity is also a key focus, with green corridors and nesting boxes contributing to a vibrant, attractive, and ecologically conscious working environment for employees.
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