Work has officially begun on a "landmark" site for the UK's fastest-growing retailers.

The Range's new 1.17 million sq ft distribution centre at Gateway 14 off the A14 at Stowmarket is set to create around 1650 jobs once complete in about a year.

The huge new warehouse is designed to help meet consumer demand for the South and South East for the garden and leisure ware chain's products.

Construction of a state-of-the-art distribution unit for garden and leisure products retailer The Range is officially underway at Gateway 14.

A ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday, January 26, marked the start of building work on site. 

Mid Suffolk District Council leader Suzie Morley and Alex Simpkin, chief executive of The Range put the first spades in the ground as the retailer looks to create 100 new stores across the UK - as well as expanding its e-commerce business.

Councillor Morley said it marked an important milestone for the park.

"Welcoming a national brand such as The Range as the first occupier is very positive, not only creating job opportunities but also providing a boost for the local economy,” she said.

Mr Simpkin said: "This a major landmark in the expansion of The Range with an eastern region distribution hub with a particular focus on the creation of a sustainable warehouse building together with 1,650 jobs for the region.

"We look forward to the opening of the building in the next 12 months."

Stephen Beel, chief executive of Freeport East said the ground-breaking at Gateway 14 marked the first new development for Freeport East since it was formally approved by government at the start of 2023.

"Gateway 14’s  Freeport status will help attract new and innovative businesses to the region and provide extensive re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities," he said.

Winvic Construction was appointed to build the giant shed at the park, which is owned by Mid Suffolk District Council and is being delivered with the help of development partner Jaynic.

The aim is to provide a new base for manufacturing, logistics and research and development businesses.