Distribution centre to deliver 350 jobs
PLANS for a new £11m distribution warehouse – delivering up to 350 full time jobs – have been given the green light by Oldham Council.
At last night’s meeting councillors voted in favour of the 60,000sq ft facility, which will be built on land off Greengate, Chadderton.
Parcel delivery company DPD Group, which specialises in express postal and courier services, is taking the space, with 200 delivery driver jobs and a further 64 employment opportunities created on site by 2025.
The 3.63-hectare plot, currently derelict and vacant, was previously part of the BAE System’s factory.
It will include a purpose-built storage and distribution centre, two-storey office block and a single-storey welfare block with changing areas, toilets and a canteen.
There will also be loading facilities and a service yard for large articulated vehicles, including 27 spaces for HGVs.
The scheme will be developed by Chancerygate and around 100 jobs are also expected to be created during the construction phase.
Councillor Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is great news that DPD Group UK are investing in the borough – they are the type of global brand Oldham Council is looking to attract here.
“We’ve done it already with ODEON, the Audi dealership planned for Chadderton Way, plus Marks and Spencer at Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps – this shows that market leaders see the borough as a place where they can do business and invest.
“When fully operational, the new distribution centre will create 350 new full time jobs, which is great news for the local economy and jobseekers.
“DPD have already said they are keen to work with us on employment and skills issues and would expect most of the workforce to live near to the new centre – which supports our Get Oldham Working campaign.”
Louise Ferguson, general manager for property at DPD Group, said: “The new distribution centre will be a state-of-the-art facility that will not only expand our existing operation in the region, but also help future-proof our business to meet the growing demand for our services.
“Most importantly for the local area, the project will also create a significant number of new jobs as the centre builds up to full capacity.”
The project is set to be completed by summer next year.
