Manchester Airport unveils £100m logistics hub
MANCHESTER Airport has submitted plans for a £100m ‘world logistics hub’ at its Airport City enterprise zone.
It says the development could create 1,800 jobs over the next 15 years.
The airport wants to build up to 1.4 million sq ft which will offer a mix of units ranging from 7,500 to 200,000 sq ft across a 91-acre site next to junction 6 of the M56 – close to the existing freight area.
It said it will provide a “full range of air-to-road transfer, assembly and processing activities” for freight forwarders and other logistics businesses.
The proposals also include 36 acres of landscaped areas which will link with the airport.
In a statement John Atkins, MAG’s Airport City director, said: “This scheme will create a sustainable commercial product of international significance that will provide high quality and well-connected logistics facilities with access to the global marketplace and a population of over 24 million people within a two-hour drive time.
“This connectivity will create an exceptional opportunity to improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient, sustainable supply chains whilst supporting the local community, increasing employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the North West.”
The wider £650m Airport City plan was unveiled in January and will include around 1.5 million sq ft of office space; 650,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing; around 2,500 new hotel beds; and up to 100,000 sq ft of retail and leisure.
The site was designated as one of the government’s new enterprise zones last March, and the zone will become operational from April 2012 for a 15-year period.
