DHL takes first Airport City pre-let
MANCHESTER Airports Group has announced its first pre-let for its £800m Airport City scheme – a 37,000 sq ft building for delivery group DHL at the new world logistics hub.
Airport City will consist of two sections – a world logistics hub to the south of the airport and a business district to the north that will have 1.2 million sq ft of offices, 530,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and 1,300 hotel beds on a 65-acre site. The 15-year project is expected to create 16,000 jobs.
The DHL centre will be a drop off and collection point for goods that have just arrived or are being sent overseas.
Chief executive Phil Couchman said: “Our investment in this state of the art facility is reflective of the demand for British-made goods overseas. As the region’s economy goes from strength to strength, this new facility also marks a milestone in the growth of DHL. This operation will serve to enhance DHL’s competitive logistical performance due to its strategic location, state of the art features and best in class handling processes.
“What’s more, the location of the hub within the Enterprise Zone will support future export opportunities for small businesses in the region, allowing British businesses to get their product to international markets with even greater speed and reliability.”
John Atkins, MAG’s property director, said: “This is fantastic news for the local area and the regional economy, as well as a high-calibre kick-off point for Airport City. DHL is a global leader in its field and a well-established, highly-recognised global brand, which we are delighted to welcome as the first occupier at the UK’s first Airport City. The logistics sector is a key growth area and we aim to build on Manchester’s status as a major airport for cargo, with the logistics hub at Airport City becoming a catalyst for economic growth in the region.”
Last month MAG unveiled a joint venture to develop Airport City with the Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG), which is backed by a Chinese state bank. The joint venture also includes construction group Carillion and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Argent has been appointed as the development manager for the scheme. The terms of the joint venture were not disclosed but BCEG has reportedly taken 20% and Carillion said it expects to invest £12m in return for shares.
