Hethel road scheme to unlock growth for key sector
A new road scheme at Hethel is set to unlock employment and investment opportunities in Norfolk's advanced engineering and manufacturing sector.
Delivered in partnership by South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council, the new roundabout and link road will provide the essential infrastructure needed to support the future growth of the site.
The next phase of work begins on Monday 6 October with essential drainage improvements introduced ahead of the main construction works - which are scheduled to commence early next year.
Hethel Engineering Centre (HEC) is expanding to enable more start-ups to move into the area and collaborate, while a further 20 hectares of nearby land has been allocated in the Local Development Plan for advanced engineering and technology-based businesses.
Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council have been working closely with Lotus Cars, Hethel Innovation and other landowners to develop the access improvements.
The design will see a new three-arm roundabout on the Wymondham Road, the north arm of which will provide a spine road access through the allocation and join Potash Lane northeast of the HEC site. Spurs off the spine road will provide access to the employment allocation, and the design also includes local pedestrian and cycling facilities to promote active travel.
Funding for this project is being provided by the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council, with the work overseen by Hainstone.
Cllr Daniel Elmer, Leader of South Norfolk Council, said:
"This project demonstrates our commitment to creating the right conditions for businesses to thrive and for South Norfolk to remain at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing excellence. By unlocking new land at Hethel and supporting the continued growth of world-class businesses such as Lotus, Hethel Engineering Centre and Hethel Enterprises, we are helping to secure high-quality jobs and long-term investment in our district. South Norfolk Council is proud to be delivering this vital scheme in partnership with Norfolk County Council and our local stakeholders."
Councillor Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Norfolk County Council said:
"Hethel is a nationally significant engineering and manufacturing excellence hub and a strategic employment location which continues to expand. Bringing forward the employment allocation will support economic growth and investment in Norfolk, providing high skilled jobs and showcasing that this is a place to invest and grow world-class businesses."
Matthew Nice, Executive Director of Corporate Office at Lotus Cars said:
"This welcome news follows confirmation of our commitment to Hethel and marks an important step forward for Lotus Cars and our neighbours. The new scheme will improve access and safety to benefit the whole community, as well as strengthening the site's important role in engineering and manufacturing for the economy and local area."
Chris Sargisson, CEO at Hethel Innovation said:
"The region is growing and the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector with it. Hethel Innovation prides itself on being supportive of these game changing businesses and this local development is part of that wider scheme to allow the growth to happen here, in our home region. The partnership with local land and business owners, combined with our ongoing relationship with the local district and county councils has been incredibly productive and we're excited for the opportunities this will open up to our members on site as well as in the region."
Councillor Mike Stonard, Chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board and Leader of Norwich City Council said: "This crucial investment in Norfolk's infrastructure demonstrates how the county is getting into top gear in its drive to support major manufacturers such as Lotus and Hethel Engineering and in our determination to deliver prosperity and quality jobs for residents."
