International commercial flat roofing manufacturer Bauder is planning to create a distribution hub off the A14 at Stowmarket.

An application on behalf of the company - which has a site in Landseer Road, Ipswich - is currently with Mid Suffolk District Council.

The plans for a 44,000sq ft hub relate to a plot at Gateway 14 - a Freeport East site.

Bauder - whose parent company is in Germany - manufactures building construction materials, supplying waterproofing membranes and insulation to make buildings watertight and thermally efficient.

The 160-year-old firm also makes green roofs, "blue" roofs to control rainwater, solar panels for renewable energy generation and rooflights.

The plans for the 12m high building include a barrel-vaulted roof, a hazardous store, and 37 car and three motorbike spaces and a bike shed for 25 cycles.

It includes loading areas, service yards and office space. 

Ipswich Star:

A Mid Suffolk Council report says a meeting with planners to discuss the scheme took place in January and officers were "broadly supportive" of the proposed development.

Property developer Jaynic is the developer partner for Gateway 14 which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council.

Jaynic will be delivering the freehold unit and - subject to permission - work is expected to start in early summer.

Gateway 14 is already home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution hub for garden and leisure retailer The Range, which is due to become operational later this year.

Mid Suffolk recently approved a business case for a new £18m Skills and Innovation Centre on site to help address the local skills gap and seize opportunities around growing sectors such as digital/AI technology and the green economy.

Bauder has been approached for a comment.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Star: Plot 1600 at Gateway  14 in Stowmarket