The strengths of the Haven Gateway will help the sub-region emerge from recession significantly faster than other areas, the partnership’s chief executive David Ralph told its agm in Harwich International Port’s cruise terminal.
The Haven Gateway also launched a green infrastructure programme, a package of measures to protect and enhance the area’s environment and access to green spaces.
“The Haven Gateway sub-region has key strengths in growing diverse and innovative sectors, including tourism, creative industries, energy provision and ICT. All these plus its strong ports, maritime and logistics sectors are likely to be key economic drivers in the coming years,” said Mr.Ralph.“Hutchison Ports (UK) has started work on its new Felixstowe South deep sea container terminal and this will put the port way ahead of the competition in terms of desperately needed deepwater facilities when we come out of recession and container volumes begin to build again.”
“The huge and ongoing investment in further and higher education facilities in the sub-region will ensure that we have a robust infrastructure for delivering skills.”
Among achievements in 2008-09, David Ralph highlighted:
• The launch of the Haven Gateway’s Integrated Development Programme;
• Major funding awards through New Growth Point and Community Infrastructure funding;
• £120m confirmed by the Government for A12 improvements;
• £50m earmarked by Network Rail for Felixstowe-Nuneaton rail freight capacity improvements;
• Construction work under way on the Felixstowe South container terminal;
• The Haven Gateway’s role as a core partner in the EU Dryport project, another example of the sub-region’s growing profile in Europe.
