The Haven Gateway Partnership has retained the services of GVA Grimley to conduct a major study into the provision of employment land and strategic sites in the Suffolk Haven Gateway area up until 2021.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the Haven Gateway Partnership said

"The Suffolk part of the Haven Gateway has been set a challenging target of achieving 30,000 additional jobs by 2021. Although in the current economic climate we are all concerned about jobs, the area has some strong economic drivers such as the Haven Ports and Adastral Park. These drivers, together with a wide range of micro-businesses, should provide the framework to underpin recovery. However, we still need to make sure that we have enough of the right kind of land in the right locations and take all other necessary steps to ensure the delivery of these new jobs in both rural and urban locations. GVA Grimley are well placed to provide this clarity of vision and we are delighted that they are now on board"

The study is being funded and led by the Partnership on behalf of Ipswich Borough, Babergh and Suffolk Coastal District Councils and Suffolk County Council.  It will involve consultation with businesses and identify market needs. This will then enable a thorough review of the availability and suitability of the existing land supply before making recommendations as to the future. These recommendations will then be used by the councils who are currently preparing planning documents known as Local Development Frameworks.  

Mike Taylor, Director of GVA Grimley, said

"GVA Grimley is delighted to undertake this important piece of work which will directly influence the future direction of the Haven Gateway, Suffolk and the East of England's economy.  It cements our position in the area and allows synergy with our other current work in region.

We are looking forward to continuing our successful working relationship with the local authorities in Suffolk, as well as Suffolk County Council and now the Haven Gateway Partnership.

Suffolk Haven Gateway is a diverse and challenging area with key strategic sites for future growth as well as a vibrant rural economy.  By working with key businesses and stakeholders in the sub-region we will provide the strategies required to address the issues and challenges facing the area. "

The study will be completed in early July and more details about the consultation will be published on the Haven Gateway and Choose Suffolk websites shortly.

The study is being funded as part of the Haven Gateway's investment programme supported by Government Growth Point funding. For more information contact Steve Clarke, Interim Development Director at the Haven Gateway Partnership (steve.clarke@haven-gateway.org, tel 01206 848411) or Mike Taylor, GVA Grimley (mike.taylor@gvagrimley.co.uk tel 0207 911 2754)