Construction of a ‘transformational’ £18 million, state-of-the-art skills and innovation centre in Stowmarket has been completed – and is ready to open this summer.
The Innovation Gateway, at Gateway 14, will offer a range of office spaces for high growth start-ups, collaboration and innovation areas, meeting rooms, a café and high-quality training spaces.
The project, led by Mid Suffolk District Council, was made possible thanks to a Freeport East agreement to provide £16.66m for its construction, with the remaining costs provided by the council.
Councillor Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “This is such an important facility and the building looks fantastic.
“From the very get-go, this has been an incredibly exciting project with the prospect of attracting and supporting innovative businesses and entrepreneurs, not only for the benefit of Stowmarket, but the wider region.
“This centre was designed with growing sectors such as the green economy and digital/AI technology and I very much look forward to seeing what businesses who make use of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway, achieve over the coming years.”
Steve Beel, Chief Executive for Freeport East, said: “Freeport East is delighted to see the completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway and congratulate all the partners involved.
“The centre will offer a rich and dynamic working environment with deep links into local AI, agritech and sustainable construction expertise.
“Tenants are able to access freeport tax reliefs and a range of support programmes and networking opportunities that are unique in the region and come from being a central part of the Freeport East model.”
Property developer, Jaynic, worked with Gateway14 Ltd and Wilten Construction as development manager to deliver the three-story building.
Ben Oughton, Development Director of Jaynic, said: “Completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway at Gateway 14 marks an important stage in the delivery of a high-quality development for Gateway 14 Ltd by Jaynic.
“From the outset, the scheme has been designed and constructed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating a range of environmentally responsible features that support long-term performance and efficiency.”
The project has also been delivered in partnership with Universities of Suffolk and Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute, who will be delivering a programme of professional development courses to address the region’s skills gap.
Representatives from organisations involved attended a ceremony on Friday, 15 May to formally handover the new building.
It will be operated by Hethel Innovation, which provides innovation growth support to hundreds of businesses across East Anglia.
