The aptly named Phoenix Enterprise Park will rise from the ashes of a fire which devastated the former Wessex Foods factory site in Lowestoft, which was burned to the ground in 2010.

Eastern Daily Press: The aftermath of the blaze at the Wessex Food factory in 2010.The aftermath of the blaze at the Wessex Food factory in 2010. (Image: Archant)

The aptly-named Phoenix Enterprise Park will rise from the ashes of a fire which devastated the former Wessex Foods factory site in Lowestoft, which was burned to the ground in 2010.

The site – which opens today – was taken on by Suffolk County Council five years later, and the £6.5m two-acre plot will now become a business hub.

The purchase was funded in part thanks to a £2.5m boost from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) via its Growth Deal with central government, which later saw the site awarded enterprise zone status.

The site offers 17 business units, of differing sizes, six of which have already been snapped up by companies.

Eastern Daily Press: The aftermath of the blaze at the Wessex Food factory in 2010.The aftermath of the blaze at the Wessex Food factory in 2010. (Image: © Mike Page all rights reserved. Before any use is made of this image including display, publication, broadcast, syndication or)

Businesses that move in before March 31, 2019, can apply for reduced business rates over the next three years.

As an enterprise zone, the location also has access to superfast broadband and a simplified planning process to enable further development.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: 'Completion of this business and enterprise park demonstrates our commitment to regeneration in Lowestoft and supporting local companies that are looking for premises to help to start up or grow.'

'Great things are happening in Lowestoft,' he said. 'We have already delivered the Lowestoft Northern Spine Road and now we're bringing forward the Lake Lothing Third Crossing. The construction of the crossing is a signal to businesses in the region.

'It will also help to attract new business investment for the local economy – and the units here at Phoenix Enterprise Park stand ready to accommodate the resulting growth.'

He added: 'We could not have delivered this project without the financial support from Waveney District Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. This project has been a real team effort.'

Doug Field, chair of New Anglia LEP, added: 'As a key site on our Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone, the park will play a vital role in achieving our ambitions for creating jobs and inclusive growth, while improving our offer to new and growing businesses.'

The units are being marketed by agents Aldreds.