A public consultation has launched today to invite feedback on draft plans for a mixed-use business park on land adjacent to junction 50 of the A14 in Stowmarket.
Gateway 14 will provide up to 2.3 million square feet of business, logistics and commercial accommodation, subject to planning, and will generate thousands of job opportunities. A website has been launched to share draft plans and invite feedback from the local community.
Leaflets have been posted to local households and a dedicated community engagement website has been launched (www.g14yoursay.co.uk), where feedback can be submitted. Comments can also be sent to the Gateway 14 team by email or post. The deadline for feedback is 31 October 2020. For anyone who is unable to access the internet, printed information packs are being offered.
Gateway 14 could accommodate logistics buildings, offices, and Research and Development campus-style buildings of various sizes, as well as other complementary uses, such as a petrol filling station, a hotel, a public house and retail unit(s) alongside the A14 and A1120 in the north west of the site.
Nic Rumsey, managing director of property company Jaynic, who has been appointed by Gateway 14 Ltd to develop the site, said;
““We’re excited to be able to show local people our ideas for the site and hear everyones’ comments. At this stage, the plans for Gateway 14 are still evolving, and won’t be finalised until we’ve consulted with the local community and other key stakeholders.”
““We’re excited to be able to show local people our ideas for the site and hear everyones’ comments. At this stage, the plans for Gateway 14 are still evolving, and won’t be finalised until we’ve consulted with the local community and other key stakeholders.”
“The principle of developing a business park on the site has been in place for quite some time now and we have the financing ready to bring Gateway 14 forward, if plans are approved. It will bring huge benefits to the local economy through major investment from the companies choosing to locate there, and we estimate it could generate around 4,500 jobs.”
Two indicative masterplans have been drawn up to illustrate the principles of design and the potential configuration of land uses and buildings across the site. The draft proposals, which are available on the website, are guided by adopted and emerging planning policy, feedback from Mid Suffolk District Council Planning Authority and occupier demand.
Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, commented:
“Local residents and businesses have until the end of October to contribute their views about the development at Gateway 14 and I would encourage local people to use this opportunity to have their say.”
All the feedback received during the public consultation will be considered by the project team as the plans for Gateway 14 are finalised. A planning application will be submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council by the end of 2020. Subject to planning, Gateway 14 will be built over the next 10 to 15 years, with the first buildings planned to be available in 2021/2022
“This is a very exciting development for Stowmarket and the wider Mid Suffolk area. Our ambition for Gateway 14 is to meet the demand for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing in the county as well as providing modern workspaces for smaller businesses. By attracting more businesses to the area, we hope to the support job creation and strengthen the economy in the region.”
Sir Christopher Haworth – Chairman, Gateway 14
