Mid Suffolk District Council and the Greater South East Energy Hub (GSEEH) have announced up to £40,000 match funding for a study into low carbon opportunities for Gateway 14.
The announcement marks the first time GSEEH has supported a local authority project to explore how low and zero carbon initiatives can be integrated into new developments. It is hoped that the findings of the study can be to be used to share learnings and best practice across the region.
The funding is part of several initiatives that demonstrate Mid Suffolk District Council’s commitment to achieving their ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The council, working alongside Jaynic, the development partner for Gateway 14 Limited, will appoint a low carbon heat and power specialist to investigate low carbon opportunities for the site. This work will take place alongside the masterplanning work ensuring environmental sustainability is considered from the start of the development. The collaboration between the council, Gateway 14 Limited and GSEEH may provide opportunities for further external funding and investment.
Located on the A14 outside Stowmarket, Gateway 14 is a major new development that will provide up to 2.3 million sq. ft of mixed-use business park for warehousing and logistics and an innovation cluster within the ‘Space to Innovate’ enterprise zone site.
A planning application for Gateway 14 is expected to be submitted by the end of 2020, to enable a phased development on the 156-acre site. The masterplan layout is still being developed, however the site could accommodate logistics buildings, headquarter offices, R&D campus style buildings and support a range of high growth businesses, while also maximising opportunities for inward investment, job creation and wider community benefits.
The council will look to work with GSEEH on more projects such as sustainable environment, transport, and homes schemes.
Sir Christopher Haworth, chairman of Gateway 14 Ltd said: “We are at a very exciting stage in the development of Gateway 14. The site will not only meet the demand for warehousing and logistics and provide modern workspace for smaller businesses but also offers the opportunity to promote sustainability across the site.”
Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: “Gateway 14 is a very significant development for Mid Suffolk District Council and is part of our wider vision for Stowmarket to create a high-quality, mixed-use business park that will provide employment opportunities and strengthen the economy across Mid Suffolk.”
Cllr Jessica Fleming, Cabinet Member for Environment at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “This support and funding from the Greater South East Energy Hub is most welcome and will enable us to work with our partners to achieve our aim of making the Gateway 14 site sustainable, as well as contributing towards our own ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.”