X
X
Where did you hear about us?
The monthly magazine providing news analysis and professional research for the discerning private investor/landlord

High-tech projects will create thousands of new jobs in Derby

The Government has agreed to provide £12m in funding to help launch a revolutionary high-tech food manufacturing campus in Derby, which could create up to 4,500 jobs.  

It will also provide an additional £6.85m to establish a manufacturing research centre in the city, generating 70 new roles. 

Central to it is money to help secure a huge new £300m high-tech food manufacturing and distribution campus in the city, to be developed and operated by SmartParc on 140 acres of the former Celanese site near Spondon. 

SmartParc chief executive Jackie Wild said: “SmartParc is part of a £300m investment to put Derby city and the UK at the heart of the future of sustainable food manufacturing globally.  

“The planned SmartParc campus will combine world-class food production facilities with shared utilities, amenities and services to provide a highly sustainable, low-cost production base for food manufacturers and new ways to reach end customers while reducing food miles and food waste.  

“It will also act as a community hub, with a new food innovation centre and skills facility and planned partnerships with local charities, schools and universities to reconnect people with the food they eat.  

“We are delighted to receive Government backing for our ambition and look forward to working with Derby City Council, local universities, businesses and communities to share our vision and deliver up to 4,500 new jobs in the area over the coming years.” 

A central distribution facility will allow manufacturers to consolidate both raw materials and finished goods, improving efficiency and lowering food miles, while the project would also generate further employment in the supply chain and throughout the local region.  

Work will start in the first quarter of 2021 and a planned opening, with initial occupancy, will take place later that year. Full project realisation is expected by 2024.  

Derby City Council Leader Chris Poulter said: “Throughout the past four months we have been doing all we can to support existing businesses but also looking at opportunities for the future - to diversify our economy, to improve our environmental credentials and to make Derby a brilliant place to live and work.  

“Today’s announcement is a massive boost for those plans and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver these fantastic new projects.” 

The Government has also agreed to support the launch of an advanced manufacturing research centre at Infinity Park, Derby. The £20m initiative would create a new permanent home for the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

If you want to read more news subscribe

subscribe