Multi-million pound skills and innovation centre to be built in Stowmarket

It's hoped the new centre will support local businesses, create jobs and boost the local economy

A CGI of Gateway 14
Author: Sian RochePublished 16th May 2024

A multi-million pound skills and innovation centre is set to be built in Stowmarket.

Mid Suffolk Council's working on the plans with Freeport East - who run the Gateway 14 site in the town, where the centre will be built.

Costing £18.8 million pounds, it's hoped the new three-storey centre, which will include office space for high growth start-ups, collaboration spaces, training and meeting rooms and a café, will support local businesses, create jobs and boost the local economy.

Freeport East agreed £16.66 million funding for the project centre in March, and on Tuesday, 14 May, Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet agreed ait would be covering the remaining costs.

Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, said: “This is a significant moment for what is a really exciting project. This centre will create a fantastic talent pipeline for local businesses – with a particular focus on the green economy, digital and AI technology.

“Crucially, it will bring businesses and training together in the same centre. This will not only help bridge the skills gap, it will help firms to grow and innovate, and encourage more inward investment.”

"Sustainability lies at the heart of the development vision"

Steve Beel, Chief Executive for Freeport East, said: "We are pleased to witness the excellent progress at Gateway 14, where sustainability lies at the heart of the development vision.

"The Skills and Innovation Centre would not be possible without the funding mechanisms made available by the freeport model, but it is the close and collaborative working between Mid Suffolk District Council, Gateway 14 and Freeport East that drives this success.

"The new centre, along with other recent announcements, significantly strengthens our ability to market the Stowmarket and Mid Suffolk area to various companies, both in the UK and internationally. This positions our region as one of the top choices for inward investment in the UK."

Mid Suffolk is working in partnership with West Suffolk College and the universities of Suffolk and Essex on the project, which will now go into the pre-planning and technical design phase.

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