EMCCA takes control of East Midlands Freeport

The East Midlands combined authority will take over governance of the Freeport site from Leicestershire County Council, following a government-directed shake-up.

EMCCA will now oversee public funding allocated to the 25-year freeport scheme, which includes East Midlands Airport and Gateway, the East Midlands Intermodal Park in South Derbyshire, and the former Radcliffe-on-Soar power station site.

The combined authority says the decision will allow it to better align the Freeport with its other growth initiatives in the East Midlands, such as the £500m East Midlands Investment Zone.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “East Midlands Freeport is one of the most significant economic opportunities our region has seen in a generation. By becoming the Freeport’s accountable body, EMCCA will help ensure our plans for jobs, investment and growth are better aligned across the East Midlands.

“This will help us present a clear, confident offer to those looking to invest here, while ensuring the benefits are felt by our communities through high-quality jobs, stronger infrastructure and long-term reinvestment.”

Leicester County Council has provided public-sector oversight of the scheme since it was established in 2023.

The move to EMCCA follows national direction that larger mayoral authorities should lead local industrial strategy and growth initiatives, intended to provide a more joined-up approach to infrastructure investment.

Tom Newman Taylor says the move will align the freeport more closely with regional priorities. Credit: East Midlands Freeport

Tom Newman-Taylor, Chief Executive of East Midlands Freeport, said the decision was an “important step in the next phase of East Midlands Freeport’s development”.

“As devolution continues to shape how economic growth is delivered across the UK, bringing accountable body responsibilities into EMCCA provides a strong foundation for closer alignment with regional priorities and a more joined-up approach to investment, infrastructure, and skills,” he said.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Leicestershire County Council for its support and stewardship as our accountable body since the Freeport was established. The council has played a vital role in helping us build the strong governance and delivery foundations that have enabled us to reach this point. Leicestershire will continue to be a founding Member and key partner, recognising the cross-border nature of the Freeport.

“We already have a strong relationship with the Mayor, and this is just the next step in deepening that collaboration. Together, we are well placed to maximise the opportunities presented by the UK’s only inland Freeport and the wider Trent Arc and continue to support growth for communities and businesses across the region.”