Construction of a ‘transformational’ £18 million skills and innovation centre in Suffolk has reached a major milestone.
A topping out ceremony has taken place at the centre at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, which is set to open in June next year.
Mid Suffolk District Council’s Stowmarket Innovation Gateway looks to help businesses adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in growing sectors such as the green economy.
The centre, which will be run by Hethel Innovation, will offer office space for high-growth start ups, innovation spaces, meeting rooms and a cafe.
The centre will also be used for training, working in partnership with the Universities of Suffolk and Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College, Colchester Institute and the AI Hub in Generative Models to address the region’s skills gap.
Cllr Richard Winch, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We’re delighted to reach such a significant milestone for this transformational project, which will benefit Stowmarket and the whole region.
“This is going to be a fantastic facility, which will not just attract and support innovative businesses and entrepreneurs, it will provide a talent pipeline that allows firms to innovate and grow.
“We can’t wait to see the centre open next year and are excited by the opportunities it brings.”
Freeport East is contributing £16.66m towards the project’s total cost of £18.8m, with Mid Suffolk District Council meeting the rest.
Property developer Jaynic is delivering the project as the development partner of Gateway 14 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council.
Steve Beel, Chief Executive for Freeport East, said: “Today’s milestone is a really proud moment for everyone involved.
“The Stowmarket Innovation Gateway represents exactly what Freeport East is here to do – create new opportunities for people and businesses across our region.
“This centre will give local companies the space to grow, help young people develop the skills they need for the future, and support innovation in areas like digital technology and green energy, where the East of England already has real strength.
“It’s great to see the building taking shape, and we’re excited for the positive impact it will have on Stowmarket and the wider Freeport East area.”
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chairman of Gateway 14 Ltd, said: “This is a very important moment for Gateway 14, our shareholder Mid Suffolk District Council and Freeport East.
“The Stowmarket Innovation Gateway will provide a home for innovation and form a vitally important link between education and business, to enable young people to find the jobs they need and businesses to find the talent they need to build the prosperity of the region.”
The 35,000 sq ft building is being built to meet a minimum BREAAM standard of ‘excellent’ which will ensure it is highly sustainable and delivers significant energy and carbon savings.
This will include a biosolar roof system, with green roofing and solar PV panels.
Elsewhere on Gateway 14, Ipswich-based Bauder – which makes sustainable roofing – has also opened a new facility, and work is continuing on a £45m factory for Assan Panel, a leading international manufacturer of sandwich panels and other sustainable building materials.
Gateway 14’s first unit – a 1.17million sq ft logistics and distribution centre for The Range – is already up and running.