Enterprise zone expansion plans welcomed

The Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone will be extended by 70 hectares on nine sites across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

It is part of a long-term plan to encourage technology and modern manufacturing companies to set up in the region, with Government tax incentives and a location near Sheffield’s two universities having already attracted the likes of Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Firth Rixson.

The deal signed off this week by the Government will also see zone expansions in Barnsley, Sheffield and Markham Vale, as well a new site at Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.

The existing Enterprise Zone sites totals 145 hectares, and this will add 70 hectares.

James Newman, chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“I am delighted that the Government has listened to the LEP and enabled us to expand our Enterprise Zone to include additional strategic sites, including the land next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

“Since the launch of our Enterprise Zone in 2012, 18 new companies have located on our Enterprise Zone with 345 jobs already created on site and around 300 set to be created in the coming months.

“Businesses have been attracted to join our modern manufacturing and technology community which offers outstanding transport connectivity, a highly-skilled talent pool and the best UK Government tax incentives available.

“Now that our expansion has been confirmed, the LEP will be working closely with partners to ensure that the new sites can boast our full package Enterprise Zone benefits including simplified planning, superfast broadband and global promotion at international events.”

Access to the new Enterprise Zone site at Doncaster Sheffield Airport will be improved by a new link to the M18 via the new FARRRS link road (Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme).

Construction of the new road is already underway, and it will be ready in early 2016.