Logistics park growth to create 3,500 jobs - firm

If approved, the site is expected to boost the local economy in Suffolk by £3.4bn

A firm said it hoped to create 3,500 jobs through the expansion of a 150-acre logistics park.

Curzon De Vere said it intended to diversify operations to include engineering and innovation at the Port One Logistics Park, in Great Blakenham, Ipswich.

It has sought planning consent from Mid Suffolk District Council which, if approved, would boost the county's economy by an estimated £3.4bn.

Matthew Slater, the company's managing director, said: "[Port One has] been growing at pace due in equal parts to demand from international businesses and our own ambitions to build a project that puts Suffolk on the global map and helps drive the local economy forward."

The company plans to rename the site Port One Technology Park, and would include a vertical farm growing vanilla, strawberries and pharmaceutical crops, a farm shop and units focused on artificial intelligence innovation.

The expansion plans also include the installation of 50 hectares of solar panels, the site's own concrete production plant and 150,000 trees.

Road upgrades

Port One said it would pay for surrounding roads and highways to undergo upgrades, including improvements to junction 52 of the A14, to help ease congestion.

Mr Slater said the company was "excited to be bringing prosperity and jobs" to the area and ensure the region "regains its status as a leader in enterprise and industry".

Andrew Mellen, the leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "Mid Suffolk is an attractive place to do business, and we have already seen truly innovative and ambitious firms choosing to relocate or expand into the district in the last 12 months.

"We look forward to hearing more about Port One's plans, and will be encouraging people to have their say when the plans are submitted."