Work set to start on giant development which will lead to the creation of 2,000 new jobs

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Work is set to start on a giant logistics and content studio in Manchester which will be home to 2,000 workers.

The development is part of the major expansion plans by The Hut Group which will eventually see 10,000 new jobs created close to Manchester Airport.

Planning permission has been approved for a new site which will be called Icon Industrial.

The11.6-acre logistics and global content creation studio is being built on behalf of the online beauty and wellbeing retailer.

Construction could start on site as early as next month with and the building is due to be completed next April.

The development will include a 168,000 sq ft warehouse and 104,000 sq ft of office space over four floors.

The building is part of the e-commerce giant’s expansion at Manchester Airport, which includes a new 280,00 sq ft office building at Airport City North – ‘THQ’.

Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford Developments and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has recently submitted two further planning applications to Manchester City Council for major new developments at its 45-acre warehouse and logistics site.

Dan Gallagher, joint managing director of Stoford Developments, said: “We are delighted that THG has chosen ICON as the site for its new logistics and global content creation studio, it is fantastic news for Icon Manchester Airport and for the wider North West region.

“This site is in a key strategic location at the very heart of the Northern Powerhouse and its unrivalled airport connectivity will enable THG to reach a worldwide market.

“It is the fourth exciting development planned at the site, such has been the demand from potential occupiers keen to relocate to Icon Manchester Airport.

“The remaining land presents potential occupiers with an excellent opportunity to have a unit built to their specific requirements and continues the fulfilment of the Airport City masterplan, expanding and enhancing the logistical facilities on site.”

Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive of The Hut Group, said: “This is an exciting time for THG.

“Following THG’s acquisition and integration in 2017 of Hangar 7, the UK’s leading content studio, ICON is our next step in expanding the group’s content production and logistics capabilities dramatically.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “As a first phase investor in Airport City Manchester, THG’s arrival is a major vote of confidence in the city and begins to unlock the major potential of Airport City as a hub for employment.”

Located next to the World Freight Terminal and part of the Manchester Enterprise Zone, Icon Manchester Airport has excellent road, air and rail connections, with immediate access to junction 6 of the M56.

It also benefits from the recently completed A6 Manchester Airport Relief Road, a £290m dual carriageway linking the A6 and M56 that is expected to significantly reduce journey times to Manchester Airport.

Icon Industrial acquired the site from Airport City Manchester joint venture in July 2017.

The build to suit logistics/warehouse development has a gross development value of around £100m and is already home to occupiers including Amazon and DHL, with on site amenities including a BP Petrol filling station, Costa Coffee and M&S Simply Food.

TPG Real Estate and Stoford Developments are building Icon Industrial into a significant logistics platform by acquiring and developing similarly attractive UK sites, as well as refurbishing existing buildings in prime logistics locations.

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