Since the government first invited areas in England to bid for Freeport status in November 2020, partners from across local government, industry and academia came together to shape a compelling and dynamic proposition for our region. Creating a Freeport involves several formal stages of planning, engagement, and approval, as such the plans for the Freeport have developed over time, during the bid process, through business case development and now into delivery.
This timeline outlines the key milestones that brought East Midlands Freeport from concept to reality. It reflects how the plans for the Freeport have been adapted to deliver the greatest long-term value for the region, supporting investment, innovation, and growth.
Our Full Business Case was approved by the government in March 2023 and supersedes the initial bid and the subsequent Outline Business Case. Now that we are established, our Business Plan is the most up-to-date reflection of the Freeport’s activity, delivery priorities, and expected outcomes. Read the latest on our website.
Timeline of Key Milestones
2020: Freeports Policy Announced
- February – July 2020: The UK Government launched a public consultation on Freeports, inviting views on how they could support regional development and trade.
Consultation and response (GOV.UK)
- November 2020: The government published the Freeport Bidding Prospectus, setting out the policy framework and guidance for applicants.
Bidding Prospectus (GOV.UK)
2021: Bid Submission and Early Planning
- February 2021: A formal bid was submitted by a coalition of regional partners, including private sector businesses and local authorities, with support from universities, business groups, local MPs and the Midlands Engine.
- March 2021: The Chancellor announced the East Midlands as one of eight successful Freeport locations.
Freeports decision-making note (GOV.UK)
- September 2021: The Freeport submitted its Outline Business Case, setting out how the proposed tax and customs sites, governance arrangements, and strategy aligned with the Freeport’s objectives. These were initial suggestions and have subsequently been superseded by the Full Business Case.
- November 2021: Further technical information was submitted to address the government’s feedback and to support the assessment of the Outline Business Case.
2022: Strengthening the Proposition and Securing Approval
- January – February 2022: After direction from government that the East Midlands Airport and Industrial Cluster tax site needed to include more land to increase its impact, the East Midlands Freeport Board proposed to include the site south of the A453, to enhance the Freeport’s tax site and maximise benefits for the region. This proposal was agreed by the East Midlands Freeport Board and submitted to the government.
- March 2022: Government formally designated all three tax sites:
- East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP) – South Derbyshire
- East Midlands Airport Gateway and Industrial Cluster (EMAGIC)
- Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station
Tax site maps (GOV.UK)
- April 2022: The Freeport’s Full Business Case (FBC) was approved by the Board and submitted to the government, detailing delivery plans, funding, risk, governance arrangements, and the expected benefits.
2023: Becoming Fully Operational
- March 2023: East Midlands Freeport became fully operational, following approval of the Full Business Case, and the designation of its first customs site at Space Park Leicester.
Customs site maps (GOV.UK)
A Long-Term, Evolving Programme
East Midlands Freeport is a 25-year programme. As local needs shift and national priorities develop, so too will our approach to ensure we are always focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the East Midlands.
- We review our programme regularly to ensure it remains aligned with government policy and regional opportunity.
- Our Business Plan is the most up-to-date reflection of the Freeport’s activity, delivery priorities, and expected outcomes. Read the latest on our website.
- We continue to work with our partners and the government to evolve our offer and unlock long-term value for communities, businesses and the wider economy.
By staying adaptable and forward-looking, we are building a Freeport that works for today, and for the future, of the East Midlands.