Tax-break industrial estate progresses in Plymouth
Buildings are starting to take shape at Plymouth’s £8m tax-break freeport site off the A38.
The steel frames for the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport are now up and work is powering ahead on the site that is destined to be home to high growth industries.
The council is delivering four units on a plot in Beaumont Way, Langage – one of three Freeport tax sites as part of the region’s continuing success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.
Devon Contractors are building the units which range in size from 750sq m to just over 2,000 sqm.
Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said: “It’s great to see so much progress on this important site and it’s great to know that we are already getting a significant amount of enquiries from interested companies. They must be the right fit for the Freeport, but the signs are really encouraging.”
The development has been made possible thanks to a £4m Freeport seed capital funding, match funded by Plymouth City Council. Once complete, it is expected to support around 138 full time jobs and associated long term spin off benefits.
Devon Contractors are on target to finish the scheme in time for units to be ready to move into by Autumn 2025.
Nigel Whelan, managing director of Devon Contractors, said: “We’re making excellent progress on site at Langage and its a testament to the collaborative spirit across the board.
“Our supply chain, consultants, suppliers and the client team have all come together as one, working seamlessly to drive the project forward. This level of co-operation is what allows us to maintain momentum and deliver with confidence. We’re particularly excited to be launching our work placements schools projects next month – a great opportunity to engage the next generation and share in the future of construction.”
The Langage Tax Site is the largest of three tax sites for the Freeport and is on the edge of the existing Langage Business Park. It is strategically significant as it provides the space and opportunities to support sector growth plans and economic specialisation, underpinning the Freeport’s trade and investment objectives.
Eligible businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West, including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.
As this site is part of the Freeport designated tax site, eligible tenants must specialise in either marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or clean energy.
