East of England freeport bid to be submitted to Government
It's estimated a new freeport for the region could generate 13,500 local jobs
A bid to create a freeport in the East of England is being submitted to Government today (5 February).
It's being made by Freeport East, which is a partnership of businesses and local authorities, and is backed by the New Anglia and South East Local Enterprise Partnerships.
It estimates, if successful, it could create 13,500 new jobs in the area and attract more than £500 million of investment over the next five years, as well as a £650 million boost to the UK economy.
George Kieffer, Chairman of the Project Board, said: "Just as the sun rises in our region before it spreads across the UK, so Britain’s future starts at Freeport East.
"The key ports of Harwich and Felixstowe are already critical for overseas trade; but with a reliable supply of sites nearby to host innovation hubs, attract new businesses, and the base infrastructure which underpins these, Freeport East is clearly the Government’s best choice for this designation.
"This is a golden opportunity for our towns, regions, and ultimately our country to prosper."
Executive Director of Hutchison Ports, which run Felixstowe and Harwich's ports, Clemence Cheng, said: "Freeport East is uniquely placed to deliver on the Government’s objectives for Freeports, to provide hubs for global trade and investment, promote regeneration and create hotbeds for innovation. We connect exporters across the UK with markets worldwide and the economic benefits of our truly global Freeport will be felt in all regions.
"Working with our local councils, LEPs, partners and innovators we will deliver a green energy hub that will help deliver net-zero transport systems and complement sustainable developments in other regions."
The bid also includes benefits to other sites earmarked for development, including Horsley Cross and Bathside Bay in Tendring, Great Blakenham Gateway 14, the Parker and Anzani Avenue areas of Felixstowe, and the Port of Felixstowe Logistics Park.
According to Freeport East, innovation will look at supporting green energy, such as the expansion of offshore wind in the region and the Sizewell and Bradwell nuclear projects.
It will also support the wider research and development linked in with university partners around hydrogen technology.