'Once-in-a-generation' opportunity confirmed as government approves Solent Freeport plans

SOLENT Freeport is now up and running after the government gave the final green light to what supporters hailed as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for investment and thousands of jobs.

Confirmation came yesterday that the UK’s first three freeports – Solent, Plymouth and Teeside – were under way.

Locally that includes areas in Marchwood and Fawley, as well as in Southampton.

The government had previously confirmed it will give the project £25m seed-funding including £4.6m for site costs and infrastructure for the Fawley Waterside development, and £4.4m for site remediation at Marchwood port.

The Solent Freeport is set to bring tax relief, simplified customs procedures and a streamlined planning processes to promote regeneration and innovation.

It was discussed at a meeting of New Forest District Council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday when Cllr Malcolm Wade, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, reiterated his concerns the freeport would mean the return of the previously refused Dibden Bay development.

But former Conservative leader Cllr Edward Heron said he was “fed up” with “political point-scoring”.

He added: “This is the Liberal Democrats raising fear about something that could or could not happen, regardless of freeport status, and giving away the money that would come to the benefit of residents.”

After the meeting NFDC leader Cllr Jill Cleary said: “The news that the Solent Freeport has been approved means an enormous economic boost for our district.

"The opportunities this designation will provide, for businesses to flourish, skills to be developed, jobs to be created, and investment to be increased, will support our priority aim to strengthen the economy to the benefit of both local residents and business.”

Welcoming the news, Solent Freeport chair Brian Johnson, said in a statement: “This is the news we’ve been looking forward to.

“The Solent Freeport really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – an investment in our future which will ensure local people benefit from job creation and increased prosperity, regenerating our communities.

“It will bring opportunities throughout our region and, most importantly, to our young people.

“We will see investment in high quality employment and state-of-the-art growth sectors while partnerships with our three world-class universities and research assets are set to catalyse an innovation revolution in maritime, autonomy and green growth.”

Levelling-up minister Dehenna Davison added: “Today is a historic day for many port towns and coastal communities as the Solent Freeport takes flight.

“This freeport is going to give local economies a shot in the arm and unlock a new state-of-the-art business space and create tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs.

“We are maximising the opportunities of leaving the European Union to drive growth and throw our doors open to trade with the world.”