Agri-food zone with business, education and hotel space a step closer

A developement order to create a ‘centre for agri-food industry’ will ensure South Holland remains at the forefront of the sector nationally and internationally, says a county leader.

The Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone consists of a development order designed to specifically support agri-food businesses, with a particular focus on the food technology sector.

South Holland District Council’s planning committee provisionally granted the order, which outlines:

• 20,000 sq m of  business space;
• 20,000 sq metres of industrial use;
• 9,500 sq m for education and training;
• 1,500 sq m of conference facilities;
• 1,500 sq m of financial and professional Services space, 
• 3,000 sq m for hotel or motel use;
• and unspecified amounts of storage & distribution and restaurant/café uses

South Holland District Council officer Paul Jackson told councillors that recent public consultation exercises had been ‘very positive’ before councillors voted the plans through to Full Council for final approval.

Speaking after the meeting, Lincolnshire County Council Executive Member for Economic Development Colin Davie said: “I believe that Holbeach is an exciting proposition in terms of Food Enterprise Zones. Lincolnshire is at the forefront of food production and packaging in the country.

“We want to do everything to make sure that Holbeach is positioned to maintain its number one position in national markets.

Lincolnshire county councillor Colin Davie. Photo: Lincolnshire Reporter

“We are very ambitious for the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone, as we are for the other two zones in Lincolnshire.

“Holbeach is recognised nationally and internationally. Everything we do, we’re making sure Holbeach moves forward at pace with loads of bright sparkly businesses alongside to bring forward even stronger site for the years ahead.”

A report before the council said: “The FEZ is to be the centre for agri-food industry support in South Holland and the surrounding area, offering a spectrum of accommodation, business support, technology, training and networking for this key sector – to maximise the impact on the local economy and act as a focus for future development.”

The 17 hectare Holbeach FEZ site is located at the intersection of the A17/A151, with a new access having already been created.

The plans have been worked on as a joint enterprise between South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The University of Lincoln is also looking to expand its services into it.