Ammunition store could be vast logistics base
A 250-acre Ministry of Defence site, used an an ammunition dump for 70 years, is being marketed as a major logistics base.
MOD Longton, close to Gretna, is dotted with 250 blast proof ammunition storage sheds and was constructed towards the end of the Second World War.
The MOD is still using the base but is cutting back and will eventually leave so it is being marketed as Solway 45 – a potential transport base with links to the West Coast Mainline and the M6, and scope for a 2.2 million sq ft building.
It is being handled by commercial agent LSH in Manchester which is keen to target large distribution businesses like Amazon and DHL as well as energy companies that could use some of the space for power generation.
Head of industrial John Sullivan said: “Solway 45 is a prime strategic opportunity within the North West which has enormous potential for local, national and global businesses. As well as unparalleled connectivity, it is close to a number of major urban centres to provide access to a local workforce.
“This is a strategically important site in a region that is currently enjoying significant investment across a number of sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, and the Cumbrian Local Enterprise Partnership has identified Solway 45 as one of its priority projects.
“As such there is a range of possible options on the site for either new buildings or utilising existing buildings, and we are inviting interest from developers, rail operators, the logistics and energy sectors and major industrial companies.”
The site is still owned by the MOD which is working with LSH to attract developers and occupiers.
