Construction has officially begun on a major new £12 million road in Plymouth, set to play a vital role in unlocking key development sites within the Plymouth and South Devon (PASD) Freeport. The spine road will link to the Freeport's largest tax-break site at Langage, opening up nearly eight hectares of employment land.

The 360-meter single carriageway will extend the existing Kingsway Road/Holland Road near Langage Power Station. It will also feature a footway on the western side and a bi-directional cycle path on the eastern side. Cormac will handle construction, with completion expected by December of this year.

Phase two of the project, which will unlock a further 16 hectares of employment land, is also in the works, with a planning application to follow. The infrastructure project is backed by a £4 million government investment as part of the PASD Freeport seed capital programme, alongside £8.27 million from Devon County Council.

As one of 12 Freeports in the UK, PASD Freeport is a partnership involving Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council, Devon County Council, and the private sector. With £25 million in capital funding allocated to infrastructure projects like the Langage spine road, the goal is to stimulate business growth and attract investment to support the region’s economic development.

A masterplan for Langage outlines the creation of two linked plots: a 15,000 sq m manufacturing area and a 10,000 sq m logistics area, both within a tax and customs zone. This setup allows companies to benefit from tax breaks and pay duties only on manufactured goods leaving the area.

The PASD Freeport also includes other tax sites at South Yard in Devonport and Sherford, with potential for further customs sites within its outer boundaries. The Freeport aims to foster innovation and create over 3,500 jobs in key sectors like marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and clean energy.

Cllr Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, commented: 'This infrastructure project is crucial for bringing high-value jobs to the Freeport, benefiting both local residents and businesses in the supply chain.'

Cllr John Hart, Chairman of Devon County Council, added: 'This new road at Langage is more than just a road – it represents opportunities for businesses to expand and create jobs. It is the first phase of a larger development, supported by government funding.'

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economic recovery and skills, said: 'This road illustrates the close collaboration between Freeport partners, ensuring the success of the project and the attraction of businesses to the region.'

Richard May, CEO of PASD Freeport, noted: 'The Freeport's seed capital programme is unlocking long-planned employment spaces in South Hams. This spine road will provide access to Langage's key plots, creating the Freeport’s largest tax site.'

Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development at South Hams District Council, emphasized the importance of the road in boosting South Hams’ job and business opportunities, calling it a key step in the Freeport's development.

Keith Clarke, CEO of Carlton Power, the owner of Langage Energy Park, said: 'The opening of this spine road will mark a significant milestone for Langage Energy Park, providing crucial road access and infrastructure to meet the needs of various occupiers, making it a thriving employment hub.'