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Freeport East gets final government approval

[ January 10, 2023   //   ]

Freeport East, one of eight new freeports in England announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in March 2021 has received final Government approvals, allowing it to move forward into the delivery phase.

The development, near the port of Felixstowe, is expected to create up to 13,500 new jobs and will receive £25 million in Government funding to support infrastructure enhancement.

Chief executive of Freeport East, Steve Beel, said: “Bringing together key stakeholders including local government, the private sector, and educational institutions we will attract new investment to create a hotbed for trade, innovation and green energy driving growth in both the regional and national economies.

“We will look to partner and collaborate with all organisations interested in the economic success of the region and encourage parties to get in touch with us directly.”

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison added: “Today is a historic day for many port towns and coastal communities across East Anglia, as Freeport East takes flight.

“This Freeport is going to give local economies a massive boost, unlock a new state of the art business space and create tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs.

“We are maximising the opportunities of leaving the European Union to drive growth and throw our doors open to trade with the world.”

Freeport East covers roughly 45 kilometres of the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich, stretching from Woodbridge in the north, to Stowmarket in the west and Jaywick Sands in the south and also includes Colchester and Ipswich.

In October 2022, the Freeport East Gateway 14 site has gained detailed planning consent for its first unit which will be occupied by home, garden and leisure products retailer The Range. Work on the development, which is wholly-owned by Freeport East partner Mid Suffolk District Council is expected to start this month, with a completion date target of autumn 2023. Freeport East Gateway 14 has outline planning consent for a 2.36m sq ft mixed-use innovation, business and warehousing scheme.

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