Food and drink logistics giant Culina Group has confirmed it is moving to Peel Ports 250-acre Port Salford scheme – the UK’s first tri-modal inland port facility and distribution park, accessible by rail, road and short sea-shipping.
The announcement follows the confirmation of detailed planning permission for the warehouse unit, granted by Salford City Council at a meeting on 19 March.
Culina willl occupy the first warehouse unit comprising 280,000 sq ft of accommodation, including ancillary offices, service yard and parking. Approximately 280 jobs will be created at the distribution centre, which is expected to be completed by April 2016 and fully operational by the end of 2016.
Located adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal, Port Salford will enable direct vessel access from the new Liverpool2 terminal at the Port of Liverpool being developed by Peel Ports, dramatically improving the supply chain across the North West. It is anticipated that the majority of container loads will eventually arrive at the National Import distribution hub from Liverpool via the Manchester Ship Canal, resulting in significant carbon emission reductions and environmental savings.
The first phase of development has a total area of 150 acres. Further plans are in preparation for Phase 2, which will bring the total site to 250 acres with space for up to four million sq ft of accommodation with 1.6 million sq ft dedicated to warehousing and distribution.
Thomas Van Mourik, CEO, Culina Group, said: “Culina Port Salford will give us a real strategic foothold in the North West, enabling us to manage the growth of our existing clients, bring even more new business on board and create a substantial number of jobs in the region.”
Amendments to the existing application to allow the operation of the Culina Group building prior to final completion of the support road and rail network leading to the site, were also approved.
Matt Fitton, Director of Development, Peel Holdings added: “The facility will be the first unit developed within the Peel Logistics initiative and further emphasises both the strength of our regional logistics market and the opportunity that Peel Ports’ £300m investment in Liverpool2 will offer to occupiers. Work will start on site in mid-summer with the facility available for occupation in March 2016.”
Port Salford is being developed by the Peel Ports’ sister company Peel Land and Property.
