Two of the estate roads at Gateway 14, the new business, innovation and logistics park, adjacent to Junction 50 of the A14 in Stowmarket, have been named after noted scientists born in the town.
The new roads branching off Gateway Boulevard are as follows:
- Gostling Avenue that is named in recognition of Mildred Gostling, an English chemist born in Stowmarket in 1873, who was among a group who fought for women to be accepted as Fellows to the Chemical Society (now the Royal Society of Chemistry)
- Starfinder Way recognises two Stowmarket astronomers who discovered new stars. Alice Grace Cook discovered nova V603 Aquliae in 1918, and JPM Prentice discovered DQ Herculis in 1934.
Gateway 14 chair Sir Christopher Haworth said:
“It has always been our aim to recognise Stowmarket’s history at Gateway 14. We considered a number of options for these road names but we concluded that Gostling Avenue and Starfinder Way, give deserved recognition to several important Stowmarket born-and-bred individuals that furthered the cause of gender equality as well as achieving a greater understanding of our star systems. These innovators sit well with our ambition to attract innovative companies to Gateway 14.”
Cllr Suzie Morley, leader, Mid Suffolk District Council commented:
“I am delighted that significant Stowmarket women have been recognised with new road names at Gateway 14. Many thanks to the Stowmarket History Group for their work sharing the town’s innovative heritage that we are proud to showcase.”
Jaynic development director Ben Oughton, said:
“The new road names reflect our ambition to attract burgeoning companies focused on research and development and other expanding sectors.”
Gateway 14 (wholly owned by Mid Suffolk District Council) and development partner, Jaynic, will provide a new base for manufacturing, logistics and R&D businesses with a particular focus on innovation and sustainability as well as providing innovation space for smaller and start-up businesses that will boost the local economy and attract investment into the region.
Construction of the first development at Gateway 14, a state-of-the-art 1.17m sq ft distribution unit for garden and leisure products retailer The Range, is already underway.
Gateway 14 benefits from being part of Freeport East, one of only eight Freeports in the UK. The Freeport status will provide many businesses on Gateway 14 with a range of benefits including a suite of tax reliefs and simplified customs arrangements.