Work starts on major agri-food scheme

Work has started on a new agri-food research and development facility for the University of Lincoln.The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology will deliver support services, research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for companies across Lincolnshire and beyond.The Greater Lincolnshire LEP has contributed £2.4m towards the project, which will be based at the Food Enterprise Zone in Holbeach, via the government’s Growth Deal.Lincolnshire County Council is constructing a new access road for the site, as well as installing utilities for the plots that will be sold or let to agri-food businesses.The Food Enterprise Zone will be located next to the A17 and A151 and its first phase will create about 172,000 sq ft of new business space, capable of supporting more than 400 jobs.The Holbeach FEZ is funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Lincolnshire County Council and the Midlands Engine, with South Holland District Council and the University of Lincoln partners in the scheme.