A sprawling 1.17 million square foot warehouse for a garden and homeware retailer has officially started its initial phase of operations in Suffolk.

The Range’s distribution centre, located at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, commenced operations on Sunday, July 7, with the arrival of its first shipment from Asian manufacturers. This new facility has generated over 1,000 full-time permanent jobs and includes 28,750 square feet of office space.

Ian Lucas, General Manager, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s amazing to be finally operational. The site is state-of-the-art, incorporating advanced technology and environmental features. We’re thrilled to recruit locally from Stowmarket, which benefits the town and community.”

Lucas noted that certain areas, such as a canteen and a gym, are still under construction and are expected to open in the coming weeks.

Part of the larger Gateway 14 development owned by Mid Suffolk District Council, the site features parking for over 200 trucks and 800 cars. Following its acquisition of Wilko.com earlier this year, The Range will also distribute Wilko merchandise from this facility.

Gateway 14 is set for further growth, with £18 million in funding secured in May for a skills and innovation centre aimed at supporting businesses, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. Additionally, Mid Suffolk District Council recently announced a £1.5 million fund to enhance Stowmarket town centre, made possible through the council’s investment in Gateway 14.

For more information on Gateway 14 click here.

The Sizewell C Community Fund is introduced by the Suffolk Community Foundation, calling on charitable organizations plus not-for-profits in East Suffolk to be beneficiaries of part of £23 million that will be distributed. The motive behind this initiative is the local communities affected by the construction of the nuclear power station at Sizewell C.

Key Points:

• Funding Allocation: An approximate £2 million shall be shared every year for a period of 10 years.

• Eligibility: The projects should be aimed at improving the welfare of the people living in the East Suffolk Council area. In particular, they should boost the economic and social aspects as well as quality of life for the residents.

Statements:
• Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C spoke about the long-term benefits for local communities and stressed that the fund is part of Sizewell C project's legacy.
• Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, was excited at the prospect that the fund would be able to help those who need it most— saying that charities are receiving less central funding despite rising demands— and noted how important this particular fund is because it can provide assistance despite high demand levels due to low availability of resources from other sectors.
• Additional Information: To learn more about this, such as what makes you eligible and how you can apply, please visit the Sizewell C Community Fund page on the Suffolk Community Foundation website.
These local projects being able to access funding through this program present a considerable chance— it promotes the development of the community and its members’ welfare in the area.