Construction of the ‘transformational’ state-of-the-art skills and innovation centre at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket is complete – and it is ready to open its doors this summer.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s Stowmarket Innovation Gateway will offer office spaces for high-growth start-ups, collaboration and innovation areas, meeting rooms, a café and high-quality training spaces.

The project was made possible thanks to a Freeport East agreement to provide £16.66m towards the development, with the remaining costs funded by Mid Suffolk District Council.

Councillor Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said:

“This is such an important facility, and the building looks fantastic.

“From the very get-go, this has been an incredibly exciting project with the prospect of attracting and supporting innovative businesses and entrepreneurs, not only for the benefit of Stowmarket, but also for the wider region.

“This centre was designed with growing sectors such as the green economy and digital/AI technology, and I very much look forward to seeing what businesses make use of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway achieve over the coming years.”

Steve Beel, Chief Executive for Freeport East, said:

“Freeport East is delighted to see the completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway and congratulates all the partners involved.

“The centre will offer a rich and dynamic working environment with deep links into local AI, agritech and sustainable construction expertise.

“Tenants are able to access freeport tax reliefs and a range of support programmes and networking opportunities that are unique in the region and come from being a central part of the Freeport East model.”

Property developer Jaynic worked with Gateway14 Ltd and Wilten Construction to deliver the three-storey building, which sits at the heart of the Gateway 14 business, innovation and logistics park, adjacent to Junction 50 of the A14.

The project has also been delivered in partnership with the Universities of Suffolk and Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute, which will deliver a programme of professional development courses to help address the region’s skills gap.

Representatives from organisations involved attended a ceremony on Friday, 15 May, to formally hand over the new building.

The facility will be operated by Hethel Innovation, which already manages three innovation hubs across Norfolk and supports hundreds of businesses throughout East Anglia.

Sir Christopher Haworth, Chair of Gateway 14 Ltd, said:

“Reaching practical completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway at Gateway 14 marks a major milestone in delivering a centre designed to drive innovation and to develop the skills needed for the green economy.

“This facility will provide businesses, educators, learners and occupiers with the space and resources to collaborate, build expertise and accelerate sustainable growth.”

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive Officer at Hethel Innovation Ltd, said:

“This beautiful state-of-the-art facility for ambitious, high-growth young businesses focuses on emerging technologies and is a place where innovation can flourish, businesses can collaborate, and communities can thrive.”

Ben Oughton, Development Director at Jaynic, said:

“Completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway at Gateway 14 marks an important stage in the delivery of a high-quality development for Gateway 14 Ltd by Jaynic.

“The finished building provides a modern, future-focused facility that enables innovation and skills development while reducing environmental impact.”

Naim Basha, director and co-founder of Wilten Construction, added:

“The project provides modern, high-quality facilities to support innovation, skills development and business growth, particularly in sectors such as green technology and digital and AI.”

Image credit: Rebecca Austin.

For businesses seeking accommodation that combines style with functionality and convenience, K Line House – located at Ipswich’s popular Masterlord Office Village – sets a new benchmark for modern, flexible office space.

Situated in the vibrant Ransomes Europark, this detached two-storey HQ is being marketed by Penn Commercial.
Vanessa Penn, Managing Director of the award-winning commercial estate agency, says:

“K Line House blends open-plan areas with well-defined spaces, allowing teams to collaborate freely without losing focus. A striking double-height glazed atrium floods the interior with natural light, while an extensive first-floor balcony provides a welcome outdoor retreat. For tech-focused businesses, the air-conditioned comms room ensures robust connectivity, making the building as functional as it is visually impressive.”

The location of this building is a standout feature; just minutes from the A14 and within easy reach of the A12, K Line House offers seamless access across East Anglia.

Vanessa continues:

“East Suffolk is on the cusp of a transformative period, with major projects, such as Sizewell C and other new and ongoing infrastructure developments, set to bring investment, jobs and connectivity to the region. In this context, K Line House emerges as a strategic asset for businesses looking to capitalise on the area’s growth.

“And, with a host of amenities and communal spaces nearby, daily office life at K Line House will feel neither isolated nor constrained.”

Parking, often the silent challenge of inner-city offices, is also handled exceptionally here. Thirty dedicated spaces are included with the lease, with additional options nearby; a practical detail that makes arriving at work effortless, even for larger teams.

Available to let with immediate effect on a new FRI lease (at a rent of £145,170 per annum exclusive). Please get in touch with Vanessa Penn on 01473 211933 or vanessa@penncommercial.co.uk to learn more.

Penn Commercial is proud to be partnering with developer Equation Properties and fund BentallGreenOak as the local letting agent for the Nacton-based Orwell Logistics Park.

Phase One of this speculative industrial / distribution development offers two high-specification units to let, ready for immediate occupation:

Unit 1 – 300,903 sq ft
Unit 2 – 255,936 sq ft

Phase Two will be available to pre-let from Quarter 2 2023, comprising Unit 3, with a total area of 500,000 square feet.

Orwell Logistics Park is a new, 60-acre logistics scheme situated in East Suffolk and is strategically located on the doorstep of Felixstowe (10 miles west) and the town of Ipswich, 25 miles from Harwich International Port, 70 miles north-east of Central London and 55 miles south-east of Cambridge.

The Park sits prominently on the A14, the major arterial road connecting Cambridge and the Port of Felixstowe to the UK’s key north / south motorways: M1, A1(M) and M6.

Vanessa Penn of Penn Commercial says: “Orwell Logistics Park is a perfect development for a multitude of businesses that operate through the Port of Felixstowe, searching to optimise their distribution network to the rest of the UK, as 70% of Felixstowe freight is distributed to the ‘Golden Triangle’. The rail network also accounts for 30% of the total freight that is handled through the Port.”

Key specifications of the park include:
• 24-hour access
• BREEAM ‘Excellent’
• EPC ‘A’ rating
• Excellent local labour pool, with 116,192 economically-active residents within a 15-minute drive
• Enhanced quality private estate with landscaped environment
To register your interest in Orwell Logistics Park or for any enquiries, please contact Vanessa Penn on 01473 211933 / vanessa@penncommercial.co.uk

orwelllogisticspark.co.uk