Gateway 14 – the new state-of- the-art business, innovation and logistics park in Stowmarket – continues to take shape, with plans now submitted for a new 164,500 sq ft manufacturing and warehouse unit.
Property developer Jaynic, in partnership with Gateway 14 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council – has submitted a reserved matters planning application for the latest addition to the Freeport East site, adjacent to Junction 50 of the A14.
Gateway 14 is set to provide up to 2.36 million sq ft of development opportunities for R&D, manufacturing, and logistics businesses in Mid Suffolk and is already home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution centre for garden and leisure retailer The Range – due for completion by the end of the year.
Ben Oughton, Jaynic development director, said: “We’re submitting the planning application speculatively in order to maintain momentum of delivering further high-quality buildings for this prime A14 scheme. Pending approval, it would mean we could have the next building ready for an occupier within 9-12 months on a freehold or leasehold basis for B2 (manufacturing) or B8 (distribution) uses. The size of the unit is influenced by current demand and is well suited to this prime position at the entrance to Gateway 14”.
Plans for the new unit have been shared with neighbouring communities, district and parish councillors, and the chamber of commerce, through stakeholder briefings – with considerable emphasis on the quality of architecture and Gateway 14’s commitment to the environmental, social & governance (ESG) agenda.
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chair of Gateway 14 said: “There is a great deal of interest in Gateway 14. By obtaining planning permission, we can capitalise on this interest and help others to see how the site is taking shape as a major landmark for business, innovation, and logistics in the east. As with other units, this will be a high quality, sustainable development. In addition to achieving the highest possible environmental standards, we also want to provide attractive surroundings for those taking up the job opportunities Gateway 14 will bring.”
Sustainability is a central feature of the application with a design to BREEAM excellent which includes an EPC A rating, EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems and rainwater harvesting, delivering low carbon and net zero solutions where possible.
Biodiversity is also a priority, with high-quality landscaping, green corridors and nesting boxes all being introduced to support not only the wildlife and ecology but also to create a vibrant, attractive, and healthy working environment for employees.
Gateway 14 benefits from being part of Freeport East, one of only eight freeports in the UK. The freeport status will provide many businesses on Gateway 14 with a range of benefits including a suite of tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements.
Gateway 14 Ltd and Mid Suffolk District Council also intend to bring forward a skills and innovation centre for the site, providing a dedicated space for start-ups and businesses looking at innovative ways to grow – including through upskilling of the local workforce. Development of the centre will help to further stimulate innovation and skills development across the park and wider economic area. Further information and a planning application is due to follow later this year.
Agents for Gateway 14 are Savills and Avison Young, and further land is available for design and build units on a bespoke basis.