Holtec Britain selects GatewayEast for new UK factory

Left to right: Stephen Wild Managing Director, Peel Land; Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster; Holtec Britain’s Director, Gareth Thomas; Dame Julia King, Holtec’s Senior Advisor (and Chair of the Climate Change Committee's Adaptation Sub-Committee); Damian Allen, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council; Julian Stott, Director, Peel Land.

Peel Land has welcomed Holtec Britain’s decision to name GatewayEast as the preferred location for its first UK manufacturing facility, a project set to bring thousands of jobs and drive significant investment into Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

GatewayEast, located next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, was chosen following a UK-wide site search by Holtec, a global clean energy technology company and a finalist in the Great British Nuclear SMR design competition. The company is now entering detailed discussions with Peel Land as the site’s development partner.

The planned factory forms part of Holtec’s wider UK investment programme and would focus on advanced manufacturing for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), bringing high-quality jobs and export opportunities to the region. Independent analysis suggests the development could generate £1.5 billion in economic value, with around 3,000 permanent jobs and many more in the construction and supply chain sectors.

Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain, said: “GatewayEast stood out for its location, connectivity and long-term growth potential. Doncaster’s strengths in innovation, engineering and logistics make it the right place for Holtec to invest in the UK. This site has everything we need to build a world-class manufacturing base that will serve not only Britain, but international markets too.”

This news further strengthens South Yorkshire’s growing reputation as a hub for clean energy innovation and advanced manufacturing, and comes just weeks after the Government confirmed £30 million to help reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, a move backed strongly by regional leaders and local businesses.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director at Peel Land said: “We’re pleased to support Holtec’s announcement confirming GatewayEast as their preferred location for future UK investment. This decision marks a pivotal milestone in accelerating the delivery of high-value jobs in Doncaster at the Innovation Quarter site, while helping drive forward South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone. We look forward to working closely with Holtec, City of Doncaster Council, SYMCA and other partners to bring this strategic opportunity to life.”

GatewayEast offers 80 hectares of shovel-ready employment land with planning permission for 3.5 million sq ft of industrial space. Its location, directly adjacent to the airport site and close to the M18, makes it a prime destination for investment and long-term growth.

Peel Land remains committed to working with partners to bring forward projects that generate long-term economic, social and environmental value for the region.