Freeport construction begins

Gateway 14 is one of three tax sites and four customs sites within Freeport East totalling 275 hectares of development opportunities which, when realised, will create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.

“Freeport status will attract new and additional investment in world-leading infrastructure and innovation, driving the green industrial revolution and providing extensive re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities to transform the life chances of thousands of people,” said George Kieffer, acting chair of Freeport East.

The Gateway 14 development, which is being undertaken by Gateway 14 Ltd (wholly owned by Mid Suffolk District Council) and development manager, Jaynic, will provide a new base for manufacturing, logistics and R&D businesses as well as providing space for smaller and start-up businesses.

With easy access to Ipswich, Cambridge, the Midlands as well as to the Port of Felixstowe, the 67 hectare development includes sustainable features such as EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems and rainwater harvesting. It will meet a minimum Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method rating of Very Good and Excellent wherever possible.

The infrastructure contract worth £6.4m was recently awarded to Jackson Civil Engineering and is expected to be completed by early 2023.