THE flagship Solent Freeport project has moved a step closer after New Forest district councillors backed its progression to the next phase.
Pledging their continued support, 35 members at an extraordinary meeting voted to endorse the freeport full business case and a document setting out the retention and pooling of business rates between the Solent Freeport Company and the government.
The company can now submit its full business case to the government by the 15th April deadline.
Cllr Jill ClearyCllr Jill Cleary
As previously reported in the A&T, supporters claim the Solent Freeport – a reduced tax and regulation zone – could attract £2bn of investment and over 56,000 jobs to the region.
It will bring tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures and a streamlined planning processes to promote regeneration and innovation.
The government has confirmed it will give the project £25m seed-funding – including £4.6m for site costs and infrastructure for Fawley Waterside and £4.4m for site remediation at Marchwood Port.
Hailing the news, NFDC deputy leader Cllr Jill Cleary said: “Our focus is on realising those local benefits, and we are working with the colleges and other partners to connect local people with the opportunities the Solent Freeport will bring.
“This will give greater opportunities to our residents and young people to access sustainable employment, apprenticeships, work placements and training.”
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The Solent site is one of eight freeports chosen by the government as part of its levelling up agenda.
Within the zone are sites including Marchwood and Fawley oil refinery, as well as parts of Southampton, its airport, and a site in Havant.
A report to NFDC councillors stated the New Forest could be in line to get enormous benefits, including nearly 22,000 direct jobs and another 21,000 or so indirect ones.
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