The Haven Gateway partnership has welcomed the government's announcement of £40 million to support the delivery of projects in new 'growth point' areas.

The announcement on December 5 makes special reference to the interest that the Haven Gateway, which includes Ipswich, Colchester, Felixstowe and Harwich, has shown in going for 'Growth Point' status.

George Courtauld, chairman of the Haven Gateway partnership said: "The partnership has been in active discussions with government about our potential to deliver high quality growth and regeneration in both the Haven ports of Harwich and Felixstowe and our urban centres of Colchester and Ipswich for some time".

Mr Courtauld added: "This announcement is very welcome and we are especially pleased to see that funding is being made available to address the broader infrastructure issues that are critical if we are to deliver our full growth potential. The partnership is now able to finalise its submission to government in March next year in accordance with the timetable."

Referring to proposed port expansions at Bathside Bay and Felixstowe South, Mr Courtauld commented, "We hope this announcement will be followed shortly by positive decisions on the port proposals, which will deliver nearly 25% of our overall growth in the next 15 years, a very significant contribution which is entirely private sector funded including the necessary road and rail improvements."