Substantial logistics expansion at airport’s World Freight Terminal
Three new logistics units will be developed at Manchester Airport’s World Freight Terminal.
Totalling around 85,000 sq ft, they will replace an existing obsolete unit and are in response to increasing freight traffic coming through the airport, and, at the same time, providing further export opportunities and supporting the growing e-commerce market across the region and beyond.
The new facilities will comprise 36,000 sq ft, 27,000 sq ft, and 21,000 sq ft buildings.
Planning permission has been granted to Columbia Threadneedle Investments, which acquired the site last year from Manchester Airports Group.
The new units will provide net zero carbon, Grade A warehousing, mezzanine level offices, loading yards and separate car parks.
Architect RPS and planning consultant Avison Young advised on the plans with JLL and Knight Frank retained on the leasing.
Samantha Hadland, of Columbia Threadneedle, said: “Gaining planning approval for the site is a major milestone for us in our journey towards creating a high quality, sustainable portfolio of logistics assets. We have ambitious plans for the World Freight Terminal and are pleased to be able to bring much needed warehousing to the region.”
Robert Kos, director industrial & logistics at JLL, said: “Demand for well located, good quality industrial space has been strong across Greater Manchester for several years now and we see no signs of that slowing down. These three new assets are ideally situated and will generate significant interest.”
Sam Royle, of Knight Frank, said: “When finished, the properties will offer a high specification, versatile freight forwarding and logistics space, designed specifically to enable efficient and rapid transit of goods direct to and from the airport and the wider motorway network.”
