UK okays plan for US$160 million Manchester world logistics hub

THE proposed GBP100 million (US$160.12 million) World Logistics Hub to be developed in the southern part of Greater Manchester's Airport City Enterprise Zone has been given the green light from the Planning and Highways Committee of the Manchester City Council.

The plan calls for a mix of medium and small logistics units ranging from 750 square metres to 20,000 square metres across a 36.9 hectare site next to Junction 6 of the M56 motorway.

The GBP650 million umbrella Airport City project aims to turn Manchester Airport into an international business destination from a regional transport hub. The scheme was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in January 2012, reports Lloyd's Loading List.

In addition to the World Logistics Hub, the development will include 150,000 square metres of office space, 65,000 square metres of advanced manufacturing, 2,500 hotel beds and up to 10,000 square metres for retail and leisure facilities.

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) said the World Logistics Hub will combine with the airport's existing cargo facilities at the adjacent World Freight Terminal to create a world-class logistics district. The site will offer a full range of air-to-road transfer, assembly and processing activities for freight forwarders and other logistics business, with easy access to the airport's apron, train station and the UK motorway network.

At present the World Freight Terminal houses five major cargo handling companies and 50 freight forwarding and logistics providers, as well as airline offices, sales agents and EU-approved border inspection post facilities, with more than 1,000 people employed on site.

"The World Logistics Hub will improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient, sustainable supply chains. It could also potentially help to boost new future export opportunities for Greater Manchester," said a MAG statement.

Said MAG Airport City director John Atkins: "World Logistics Hub will attract new international businesses and help existing airport businesses to expand, generating much-needed economic growth and over 1,800 new jobs.

"The development will create a sustainable commercial product of international significance, providing high quality logistics facilities linked to the existing airport freight area, with access to the global marketplace - along with 60 per cent of all UK businesses and a consumer market of over 24 million within a two-hour drive time."