City ‘integral to launch of the Solent Freeport’
PORTSMOUTH is an integral piece of the puzzle to unlocking a multi-billion pound economic boom through the new Solent Freeport deal, civic and business bosses have stressed.
Featuring the first approved tax site in the Solent Freeport area at Dunsbury Park, Portsmouth is a key location to establishing full freeport status, which was announced at yesterday’s launch of the ‘Solent Summit’ in Southampton.
Councillor Gerald Vernon Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said :‘ Portsmouthis integral to the launch of the Solent Freeport.
‘Our business park, Dunsbury, has been granted approval as a tax site, which is the So lent Free port’ s first fully functioning, shovel-ready tax zone. This means businesses can take advantage of the benefits straight away from our prime industrial and manufacturing location.
‘With approval for a customs site at Portsmouth International Port to follow shortly, the city is ready-to-go providing opportunities for businesses looking to position themselves within a Freeport area. The Solent Freeport has a real opportunity to provide long term economic prosperity for both businesses and their employees, and Portsmouth is playing an essential role unlocking those opportunities.’
Establishing a freeport in the region is a key component of the Solent 2050 long-term economic strategy.
It will unlock billions of pounds’ worth of investment, create tens of thousands of new jobs and play a critical role in achieving national level ling up ambitions.
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director, said :‘ As the UK’s best-connectedport, supported by our international cargo operation Portico, we are able to provide the facilities for a customs site, enabling businesses to benefit from opportunities to bring their goods to and from the UK.
‘We’re near the city’s tax site at Dunsbury, and also linked to our neighbouring Freeport partners in the Solent region. This is a huge opportunity and we’re proud to play our part.’ Brian Johnson, Solent Freeport’s chairman, added :‘ The So lent Free port is a once-in-a-generation opportunity which will benefit not only our region but the whole of the UK.’