AN application for “Growth Point” status for the Haven Gateway area could deliver priority funding for several vital infrastructure and development projects.

AN application for “Growth Point” status for the Haven Gateway area could deliver priority funding for several vital infrastructure and development projects.

Growth Point status would place that the Haven Gateway area in a stronger position to access Government funding to support the levels of growth being planned.

The Haven Gateway Partnership has submitted an application to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to have the Haven Gateway classified as a Growth Point, together with details of 14 key projects for which it is seeking funding in the first round of bids.

An initial response to the application is expected from the Government in June, at which point an appraisal process begins and the individual projects would be considered in more detail.

A final decision on whether the Haven Gateway becomes a Growth Point is expected in September or October, with the projects to be undertaken in 2007-08 if successful. Up to six other areas of England are also thought to be bidding.

Among the 14 key proposed development projects accompanying the Haven Gateway submission are:

n Phase 1 of the Suffolk Innovation Park at Martlesham: total cost £3.86 million, including possible ODPM funding of £3.61 million;

n The River Gipping Footpath and Cycleway Improvement Project, Ipswich: total cost £900,000, including possible ODPM funding of £810,000;

n A new Community Centre at St Lawrence Church, Ipswich: total cost £1.1 million, including possible ODPM funding of £700,000;

n The development of a Business Incubator Unit at Colchester Business Park: total cost £2.86 million, including possible ODPM funding of £1.8 million;

n Improvements to public areas, green space and cultural heritage within the St Botolph's Regeneration Area in Colchester: total cost £2.76 million, including possible ODPM funding of £2 million.

“Growth Point status would bring additional funding into this fast-growing area to support the creation of new jobs, the provision of new housing and vital infrastructure developments,” said Haven Gateway chairman George Courtauld.

“It would also help to remove barriers to making a range of improvements across the sub-region. We believe Growth Point status would give the Haven Gateway the economic boost it both needs and deserves.”