Plans for Winfrith Innovation Park could see 1,000 jobs created by 2029, with Dorset Council highlighting defence links, apprenticeships and employer interest as the site prepares for growth. Winfrith Innovation Park could support 1,000 jobs by 2029, according to Dorset Council’s plans. The council owns the site, which Councillor Richard Biggs said is now attracting interest from existing firms that want to grow and new employers that are considering moving into Dorset. Many of the positions are expected to be linked to defence, with Councillor Biggs saying there are businesses at Winfrith
Winfrith Innovation Park could support 1,000 jobs by 2029, according to Dorset Council’s plans.
The council owns the site, which Councillor Richard Biggs said is now attracting interest from existing firms that want to grow and new employers that are considering moving into Dorset.
Many of the positions are expected to be linked to defence, with Councillor Biggs saying there are businesses at Winfrith doing “important work” and that the site has “so much potential for future expansion”.
He said the Enterprise Zone status offers tax and other advantages, while apprentices who come to work at the park are likely to be well paid and able to build a long term career.
Councillor Biggs said Dorset’s defence links, including Bovington, Lulworth and Portland, strengthen the case for growth, alongside rail connections to London, Bournemouth and Poole from a station near the site.
He added that the council is staying “in the background” while a professional team works with employers, after he said the authority could have handled the site better on its own.
