Work to start on key road for Plymouth and South Devon Freeport growth

Construction of a key link to a major site within the Plymouth and South Devon (PASD) Freeport is getting underway.

Partners from the Freeport today (Thursday 13 March) came together to mark the start of work on the spine road which will connect to the Freeport’s largest tax site at Langage, near Plymouth, and unlock almost eight hectares of employment land.

The Devon County Council scheme is a 360-metre single carriageway road which will extend the existing Kingsway Road / Holland Road close to Langage Power Station. It will also provide a footway on the western side of the road, with a bi-directional cycle path on the opposite side. It will be constructed by Cormac and is due for completion by December 2025.

The County Council is also progressing design for a second phase of the spine road, which will unlock a further 16 hectares of employment land. A planning application for this scheme is due at a later date. 

Together this highway infrastructure represents an investment of £4 million funded by the UK Government, as part of the PASD Freeport seed capital programme, and £8.27 million from Devon County Council.

PASD Freeport is one of twelve Freeports in the UK and is a partnership between Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council, Devon County Council, and the private sector. It is injecting £25 million of capital funding into infrastructure projects like the Langage spine road, enabling business development and attracting new investment to help unlock the Freeport’s full potential to support economic growth for Plymouth, South Devon and the wider region.

Devon County Council Chairman Councillor John Hart said: “It’s good to see work starting on this important link at Langage, which is one of the key development sites for the Freeport. But it’s more than just a road – it opens up opportunity for businesses to grow and create employment in the region. This is the first phase of a much larger development that will take place in future with the support of government funding, and we’re pleased to continue working closely with our Freeport partners.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “This is a significant investment in our local economy and in local jobs. The work on the infrastructure, such as this road at Langage, illustrates how all of the Freeport partners are working closely together to ensure the Freeport is a success. The land is there and once the road is in place it opens up the site for development that will attract businesses.”

Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport: "The Freeport's seed capital programme was designed to unlock long planned employment space and growth opportunities in South Hams with essential infrastructure projects. This new spine road provides access to key green field plots within Langage – to create the Freeport's largest tax site. My thanks goes to all involved in making this happen – in particular Devon County Council, landowners Carlton Power, the Freeport Team and Accountable Body. It is great to see the contract awarded and getting this project underway."

Councillor John Birch, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, said: “Today is a crucial step towards boosting the future of South Hams’ jobs and business opportunities. Much of the Freeport is a designated employment site and the delivery of this critical infrastructure is the key to unlocking the development, the buildings and the companies that will fill them. We welcome the start of work on this road and infrastructure, as it heralds a new era of employment and investment for the South Hams. We are also pleased to continue our close working relationship with Devon County and Plymouth City Councils on this project, and with the help of government approval, we are one step closer to this monumental Freeport.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans OBE said: “Another key infrastructure project gets underway that will lead to more businesses setting up operations within the Freeport. This is a road to high value jobs in innovative sectors, which is great for our residents and other businesses in the supply chain.”

Keith Clarke, Chief Executive of Carlton Power, the owners of Langage Energy Park, said: “The opening of the spine road later this year will provide another important milestone in the commercial development of Langage Energy Park. With good road access to the A38 and first-class utility infrastructure, Langage can meet the requirements of all types of occupier, becoming a vibrant employment and net zero hub.”

PASD Freeport has three tax sites at South Yard, Langage and Sherford, as well as opportunities to develop customs sites within its outer boundary. It aims to play a vital role in Devon’s economic growth, supporting innovation and creating over 3,500 jobs mainly in the key sectors of marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy.

Pictured, left to right: Sam Lees (Cormac), John Allatt (Cormac), Elliott Flynn (Devon County Council), Richard May (PASD Freeport), Chris Yeo (Cormac), Jan Ward CBE (PASD Freeport), Ian Bounsall (Cormac), Councillor Rufus Gilbert (Devon County Council), Councillor John Hart (Devon County Council), Eric Adams (Carlton Power), Chris Brook (South Hams District Council), Dominic Bostock (Cormac).