About

Gateway 14 is located just off the A14 in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Once completed, it will be home to lots of different companies, bringing thousands of jobs to the area and major investment into the local economy.

Key facts about Gateway 14

  • Buildings could include logistics and distribution, headquarters and offices, research and development
  • Around 4,800 direct full time equivalent jobs could be created in total
  • Over 15,500 trees, 2,200 metres of hedgerow, 30,000 square metres of native planting, and 62,000 square metres of wildflower meadow are being planted
  • A grassland amenity zone – called Elizabeth Meadow – has been created for people to enjoy, with mown paths and park benches as well as riverside trees along the River Gipping
  • A skills and innovation centre will provide a variety of work spaces and meeting rooms for small and medium businesses
  • The buildings will all be sustainable, with features such as electric vehicle charging, rainwater harvesting and smart energy systems
  • Gateway 14 could take 10 to 15 years to complete

 

Work started on the site in 2022 and lots has been done so far, including:

  • An underground network for the gas, water, telecoms and CCTV that’s needed across the site has been installed, ready to connect into the new buildings
  • A logistics building for The Range, bringing 1600 jobs to the site
  • A distribution centre for Bauder UK – a leading international manufacturer of sustainable construction materials
  • A manufacturing facility is underway for Assan Panel, a manufacturer of sandwich panel construction materials, who will bring 100 jobs to the area
  • A skills and innovation centre known as Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is under construction
  • Landscaping around the site, including planting a range of native trees including hawthorn, crab apple, hazel, white poplar and English Oak, plus a wildflower meadow
  • A toucan crossing has been put in so that pedestrians and cyclists can safely cross over the A1120 and into the site
  • A number of foot and cycle paths have been created across the site, connecting up with Cedars Park and the Gipping Valley Way
  • We’re working on plans for an electric shuttle bus service to transport people between Stowmarket train station and Gateway 14

 

Freeport East

Gateway 14 is part of Freeport East, a new low tax zone that will help it to become a hub for global trade and investment, promote regeneration and job creation and create and sustain innovation, which is supported by the incentives available to occupiers as well as various funding opportunities. Freeport East hopes to create up to 13,500 jobs for the area over 10 years, with 3,000 jobs at Gateway 14 alone. You can read more about Freeport East here.

Background

The public consultation period for Gateway 14 ran during September and October 2020.

Environment and sustainability

The design of the landscape within Gateway 14 has been carefully considered to maximise opportunities for improving the biodiversity of the site.

Access and transport

Pedestrian and cycle access to Gateway 14 will be provided via a new toucan crossing south of the Cedars roundabout and via the existing Mill Lane A1120 overbridge.

Community and jobs

Gateway 14 will generate thousands of job opportunities and benefit the local economy.