Gateway 14 Ltd, advised by development partner Jaynic, has submitted a reserved matters planning application for home, garden and leisure products retail company The Range for a high quality, sustainable logistics unit of approaching 1.2m sq ft on the Gateway 14 scheme at Junction 50 of the A14, in Stowmarket, Suffolk. It will create an estimated 1,650 jobs in the region.
Gateway 14 already has outline planning consent for a 2.36m sq ft mixed-use innovation, business and warehousing scheme, and construction of the site infra-structure is already well underway. It is planned to start development of The Range unit in January 2023 with the building ready for occupation in the Autumn of 2023.
The landmark development will provide high specification buildings with sustainability a central feature including EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems and rainwater harvesting. The development is committed to meeting BREEAM rating of Very Good standard and strive for Excellent wherever possible. This new distribution facility will be designed to achieve BREEAM excellent.
Accessibility through and around the development is a key feature with significant walking and cycling routes being integrated along with access to public transport links and local amenities.
Biodiversity on the site is also a priority, with high-quality landscaping, green corridors and nesting boxes all being introduced across the site to support not only the wildlife and ecology but also to create a vibrant, attractive, and healthy working environment for employees.
Gateway 14 Ltd, wholly owned by Mid Suffolk District Council, exchanged conditional contracts with The Range last month to develop the distribution unit with its development partner Jaynic, on a freehold turnkey basis.
The Range is one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK. It has over 200 retail stores nationwide and more than 65,000 products across 16 different departments from Homeware and Furniture to DIY and Art Supplies. A further 100+ retail stores are planned in the coming five years, in addition to its growing online presence. The Range already has two existing major distribution centres in the UK and the new site will help meet consumer demand in the South and South East of the country while also supporting operations across the UK.
Sir Christopher Haworth, chair, Gateway 14 Ltd commented:
“Welcoming The Range to Gateway 14 is a significant step forward for the site and demonstrates its important position in Suffolk and the wider Eastern region. Gateway 14 has huge potential not only for nationally important brands like The Range, but also to support local and small businesses.”
Ben Oughton, Development Director of Jaynic, said: “We are committed to delivering a high specification building for The Range with sustainability a central feature of the project with a target delivery date of Autumn 2023.”
Gateway 14 is part of the new low tax, low regulation zone of Freeport East. The government's Freeports initiative allows firms to import goods and then re-export them outside normal tax and customs rules
Businesses located at Gateway 14 will benefit from being part of Freeport East, one of only eight Freeports in the UK.
The Freeport status will provide many businesses on Gateway 14 with a range of benefits including a suite of tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements.
Agents for the scheme are Avison Young and Savills.
