Planning application submitted for new 44,000 sq ft distribution hub at Gateway 14, Stowmarket

11/03/24

A planning application has been submitted to Mid-Suffolk District Council to construct a 44,000 sq ft distribution hub at Gateway 14, Stowmarket, for a major supplier of eco-friendly construction materials.

The unit will be delivered via a freehold development agreement by property developer Jaynic, acting as developer partner for Gateway 14 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council. Pending planning permission, construction is expected to start on site in the early summer.

Gateway 14’s Freeport status and tax benefits, together with the site’s commitment to sustainability, made it the perfect base for the firm’s new distribution facility. The site is already home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution hub for garden and leisure retailer The Range, which is due to be operational later this year.

Mid Suffolk District Council also recently approved a business case for a new £18m Skills and Innovation Centre for Gateway 14 to help address the local skills gap and seize opportunities around growing sectors such as digital/AI technology and the green economy.

Sir Christopher Haworth, Chairman of Gateway 14 Ltd, said:

“We are delighted that more companies are looking at relocating to Gateway 14. Together with the Range distribution hub and plans progressing for the new skills and innovation centre, people can see how Gateway 14 is taking shape and start to understand its significance for the region.”

Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for housing and property, Cllr Richard Winch said:

“The green economy is an emerging market that we are keen to encourage in Mid Suffolk, and as part of our aspirations for Gateway 14. Pending planning permission, we are delighted to welcome a leader in the sustainable construction sector to the site.”

Jaynic's development director Ben Oughton, said:

“We are pleased to be making strong headway at Gateway 14 where potential occupiers see the benefits that Gateway 14 provides with its freeport status as well as underlining its locational advantages sitting next to Junction 50 of the A14 providing direct trunk road access into the UK motorway system. This follows on from the 1.17m sq ft distribution hub building for The Range that was completed at the end of last year and will be in occupation before the Autumn.”

All high specification buildings on Gateway 14 include EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems and rainwater harvesting. The development is committed to meeting a Very Good BREEAM rating and will strive for Excellent wherever possible as well as delivering low carbon and net zero solutions.

Accessibility through and around the development is a key feature with significant walking and cycling routes being integrated along with access to public transport links and local amenities.

Biodiversity on the site is also a priority, with high-quality landscaping, green corridors and nesting boxes all being introduced across the site to support not only the wildlife and ecology but also to create a vibrant, attractive, and healthy working environment for employees.

Agents for the project are Savills and Avison Young.

For more information, please visit Gateway14 and Freeport East.