Plans for a ‘tech hub’ in Stowmarket are on the drawing board

Plans for a 30,000 square foot ‘technical hub’ in Stowmarket are on the drawing board.

The ‘Create Tech’ project, which has already gained support from Mid Suffolk District Council and Stowmarket’s Chamber of Commerce, aims to provide businesses with office space, server rooms, conference facilities and high speed broadband.

Stowmarket businessman Peter Brady, who is leading the project, is now looking to secure private and public funding and identify potential sites for the building.

It is expected the project will cost £5 million.

Around 20,000 square feet of the hub has already been earmarked by potentially interested businesses.

Peter, who owns social media agency Orbital Media, said Stowmarket was the ideal place for a new technical centre.

He said: “Having moved our company to Stowmarket several years ago, we are only too aware of all the opportunities this area offers to businesses like ours. With excellent communications, fast broadband connections and a growing high skilled workforce, it is clear that Stowmarket has the potential to become recognised as one of the region’ s elite technical centres.

“However, with an acute shortage of high quality office accommodation in the area, we need to ensure that we act now to secure good quality facilities and services to enable the current local enterprises to grow and attract new ones to the area.”

Peter said the project would ideally link with other facilities across East Anglia to create a ‘Suffolk Tech Corridor’ from Framlingham in the east to Cambridge in the west.

Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Stowmarket regeneration, said: “Mid Suffolk District Council is committed to establishing and growing a small cluster of businesses within Stowmarket - all with a technology or innovation focus and connection.

“We have enabled conversations to take place with funding agencies including the New Anglia LEP, Chamber of Commerce and other organisations who can offer either financial support or business advice to the promoter of the Technology Hub proposal.

“We will continue to offer support and guidance where necessary.”

Peter Down, chairman of Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce, said: “The chamber has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Hub from the outset. We are always interested in opportunities for job creation and the Hub offers unparalleled local potential to increase high waged, highly skilled, careers for current and future generations.”