Freeport East-backed £18m Stowmarket Innovation Gateway officially opens

A transformational skills and innovation centre backed by £16.66 million of Freeport East funding has officially opened today in Stowmarket during an event attended by more than 100 local businesses, organisations and dignitaries, creating a new gateway to growth for businesses across Suffolk and the wider region.

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

The Gateway is a key part of Freeport East’s ambition to ensure that the benefits of investment extend beyond its principal port and development sites. By connecting local firms, education providers and innovation specialists, the centre will help businesses across the region take advantage of opportunities in clean growth, digital technology and artificial intelligence.

A rolling programme of professional development courses – spanning AI, digital, leadership and creative disciplines – will be delivered on-site by West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and the University of Suffolk and aim to address the skills gap in the region.

The workshops and courses are open to all adults with local employers receiving direct access to higher-level training that used to mean travelling outside the district.

Cllr Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I am thrilled to see the doors of this exceptional centre officially open.

“The Stowmarket Innovation Gateway was designed with growing sectors such as the green economy and digital/AI technology at the heart.

“Its mission is to help ensure that businesses and individuals in the area are not left behind by the next wave of economic change but are instead equipped to shape and build it.”

Attendees at the event took part in a series of demonstrations, including robotic strawberry picking from Versatile RobotX, AV headsets with Space East, West Suffolk College’s SimVan, and a responsive AI avatar from 1956 Individuals.

Lisa Perkins, Chair of the Suffolk Business Board, who delivered the keynote speech at the event said:

“It’s great to see the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway officially open. I am a firm believer that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it needs the right environment. It needs to be a space in which businesses, founders, students and entrepreneurs can come together and this building allows for that and ultimately, is set up for success.

“Suffolk has some incredible assets which often don’t get the credit that they deserve – this centre is another fantastic addition to the county and a truly exciting opportunity for local businesses and budding entrepreneurs.”

Mark Lemmon, Chair at Freeport East, said:

“Just a month ago, we were celebrating the opening of the Assan Panel facility next door. Today, we’re welcoming another major investment that reinforces Gateway 14’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading locations for ambitious, forward-looking businesses.

Freeports exist to attract new forms of investment, create skilled jobs and drive long-term economic growth. This development shows that strategy delivering real results.

It’s also a testament to the ambition and determination of Mid Suffolk District Council, Gateway 14 and all the partners who have helped bring this project to life. Now the focus turns to the businesses that will make this facility their home, creating new opportunities for the local economy and helping cement this region’s position as a centre for innovation and investment.”

It will be operated by Hethel Innovation, which provides innovation growth support to hundreds of businesses across East Anglia and already manages three innovation hubs in Norfolk.

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

The building, which was delivered by Wilten Construction and Jaynic in partnership with Gateway 14, meets a BREEAM excellent rated, includes a green roof and solar panels, as well as offering incredibly fast 10 gigabits per second fibre connection – the fastest available anywhere in the region.

The wider Gateway 14 development is already home to The Range’s 1.17 million sq ft logistics and distribution centre, Ipswich-based Bauder and eco-friendly construction materials manufacturer Assan Panel.