Investment News | 7 August 2020
4,500 jobs boost for Derby
A huge new inward investment, creating 4,500 jobs, has been announced for Derby.
The £300m SmartParc – a 140-acre campus on the former Celanese site – will combine world-class food production facilities with shared utilities, amenities and services to provide a highly sustainable production base for food manufacturers.
The announcement has been hailed by city leaders as a “massive boost” to Derby’s post-Covid recovery plan.
SmartParc chief executive, Jackie Wild said the project will “put the city and the UK at the heart of the future of sustainable food manufacturing globally.
“We are delighted to receive Government backing for our ambition and look forward to working with Derby City Council, local universities, businesses and communities to share our vision”.
Chris Poulter, leader of Bondholder Derby City Council, said SmartParc and the Government’s £12m funding commitment, was a huge vote of confidence in the city’s economic recovery strategy.
“Throughout the past four months we have been doing all we can to support existing businesses but also looking at opportunities for the future – to diversify our economy, to improve our environmental credentials and to make Derby a brilliant place to live and work. Today’s announcement is a massive boost for those plans and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver these fantastic new projects.”
