Revised logistics hub plans bring 2,000 jobs a step closer
Plans to create a £200m logistics hub near Junction 21 of the M1 could be set to move forward after a local family trust and its development partner made a revised application to Blaby District Council.
The landmark scheme was first proposed by The Drummond Estate and Landchain in 2019. Designed by Stephen George + Partners, it would deliver 106,830 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space and create around 2,000 jobs.
Set within a new woodland belt and landscape framework, the development would also include a specialised Logistics Training Centre designed to fill the growing skills gap for high-tech logistics employees across the region.
The site covers 30 hectares to the east of the M1 and south west of Enderby Park and Ride.
An access road from St Johns first mooted in the 2019 application has been dropped in favour of an area of public open space on the east side of the site.
An extensive multimillion-pound package of highway and transport improvements have also been identified and incorporated, including enhancements identified by Leicester County Council, such as the widening of Lubbesthorpe Way, upgrades to the B4114 and work to improve Desford Crossroads.
Plans are also afoot to enhance capacity at the A563 / Meridian South roundabout.
Meanwhile, a new bus service would be provided to serve the development with all new employees receiving a 6-month bus pass.
Martin Ward, spokesperson for the landowners The Drummond Estate and Landchain, said: “We have worked closely with the local highways authority and planning authority to agree the scope of the additional work and have now submitted this so that the application can be considered.
“This £200 million high quality development supports the Council’s allocation of this site for employment uses in its adopted Local Plan and will create thousands of local jobs. The Training Centre will assist those looking to upskill within today’s high-tech logistics sector.”
Ben Grinnall from Landchain added: “With the added benefit of access to a large workforce in the area, this strategic location is ideal to realise the growth opportunity of this sector, benefitting the regional economy.
“The proposal creates a strong landscaped framework within which this very high quality, environmentally-advanced development will be set. It will help to meet the needs of national and local businesses with well-designed employment space at a Grade A logistics site.”
