Speculative scheme lined up for Freeport site | Central and East …

Detailed plans have been submitted for the latest addition to the Freeport East site in Stowmarket.

An application has been lodged for a new 164,500 sq ft manufacturing and warehouse unit by property developer Jaynic, in partnership with Gateway 14 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council. 

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.

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.

Gateway 14 benefits from being part of Freeport East, one of only eight freeports in the UK.

Agents for Gateway 14 are Savills and Avison Young.