Freeport East welcomes investment to drive forward new business …

Newly announced investment and construction of a new business park in Horsley Cross, set to begin in September, has been welcomed by Freeport East. The upcoming Centurion Park is currently the only such development along the A120 between Colchester and Harwich International Port with planning permission in place.

EPISO 5, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners, has acquired the port development site located between Colchester and Harwich, marking a significant achievement for the region. This signals increased investment in development opportunities, aiming to address the high demand for new industrial spaces.

The site has received planning approval and Tungsten Properties will act as EPISO 5’s operating partner and development/asset manager. McLaren Construction has been appointed as the construction partner.

Centurion Park will feature 11 medium-sized units ranging from 11,000 to 70,500 square feet with construction expected to complete in October 2024.

Freeport East will continue supporting Tungsten Properties in fostering partnerships and communication with future tenants of Centurion Park, which is planned to also offer specialised freeport customs site status.

Steve Beel, Freeport East CEO, who welcomed the news, said, “The A120 area has historically lacked industrial space options, meaning local communities in Harwich and Tendring have not fully benefitted from economic activity flowing through the port itself.

“Centurion Park presents valuable opportunities for a number of industries, from international transport operators near Harwich to manufacturers trading globally or domestically and will help support greener logistics options. It also indicates the increasing interest amongst investors and businesses in Freeport East and adds to the diversity of accommodation options available.

“Freeport East will continue to work closely with Tungsten and its future tenants, to capitalise on the benefits of the freeport customs model, innovation connections and delivering a greener transport system for the region. We also welcome commitments to the highest ESG standards and look forward to working with the developers to deliver a scheme that achieves the levels of sustainability our local communities want to see”.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, welcomed the news that works would start soon on the Horsley Cross site.

Cllr Henderson said, “Horsley Cross has long been identified as a site with huge potential for investment and development, drawing upon the excellent transport links to Harwich International Port and the rest of the country, so it is pleasing to see this scheme come forward.”

“This shows the positive impact Freeport East is already having on our district, and the wider economy, and we look forward to seeing local jobs and supply chains created to support this development.”