Green light for food manufacturing campus that could create 5,000 jobs

How SmartParc will look

The go-ahead has been given for a high-tech food manufacturing campus in Derby that could create up to 5,000 jobs.

Planners have granted planning permission for the 1.8m sq ft facility on the former Celanese site, near Spondon.

The flagship Spondon site is part of SmartParc’s ambition to provide a “new sustainable blueprint” for the industry. This will include vertical farming and smart technology to improve production and energy efficiency.

Reduction strategies for food waste, food miles and carbon output will also be implemented increasing UK food security and UK PLC competitiveness on the global stage.

Jackie Wild, SmartParc CEO, speaking when the planning application was submitted in January, said: “We are delighted to take another step forward in our plans to put Derby at the heart of the UK’s future in sustainable, efficient food manufacturing. We are liaising closely with local residents and stakeholders to ensure their views are incorporated in our plans to regenerate the site and exploring SME business and University partnerships to bring our collaborative next-generation sustainable food ecosystem to life. We are proud to be partnering with D2N2 and the City Council to reenergise the local region.”

Scott Knowles, chief executive, East Midlands Chamber added: “SmartParc will have a transformative effect on the Derby economy, creating employment and investment opportunities for the city. SmartParc will put Derby on the map as a food and drink manufacturing hub of national and international significance.”

John Forkin, managing director, Marketing Derby, said: “Smart Parc is an exciting and innovative concept that will not only create thousands of jobs but also help diversify our economy.”

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