Work starts on £11m food and drink centre

WORK has started on a new multi million pound food and drink innovation centre - the first of its kind in the south west.

The FoodworksSW, in the heart of the Junction 21 Enterprise Area in Weston-super-Mare, is due to open in Spring 2020. The hub, costing £11.3 million, will provide a range of specialist facilities and technical support for food and drink manufacturers across the region.

It will include 12 food grade businesses to lease, four product development areas, conferencing, training and workshop space and meeting rooms and a cafe.

The new centre will create an estimated 250 new jobs.

North Somerset Council executive member for economic development Elfan Ap Rees said: “Food Works will be a focal point and regional centre of excellence for food and drink businesses across the south west.

“It will help new businesses begin their journey and more established producers to inno- vate and grow.

“As well as on-site support and advice for new start-ups and established producers, the centre will also provide space for education and training in food and drink production.

“It will create around 250 new jobs and will play a vital part in the council’s bid to drive growth in the North Somerset economy.”

The scheme is funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Local Growth Fund.