Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates East Midlands Airport, has submitted plans to develop ‘a new hi-tech logistics and manufacturing park as part of the East Midlands Freeport’.
The application, submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council, proposes the construction of several units up to 25m tall, providing up to c. 1.4 million ft² of floorspace for general industrial and storage or distribution uses, along with offices.
The proposal documents outline plans for biodiversity, traffic, parking and public transport services.
MAG estimates that new development ‘could contribute up to £132m per year in Gross Value Added to the East Midlands economy, along with almost £9m in additional annual business rates contributions’.
This logistics park would be built south of the A453, alongside East Midlands Airport and – according to MAG – ‘could result in more than 2,000 new jobs once fully operational and employ up to 174 people during a two-year construction period’.
The land upon which this scheme could be built has been designated a tax site as part of East Midlands Freeport to help attract new investment and jobs to the region.
Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, said: “This is a prime site for a development of this kind, given its proximity to major road and rail networks and the UK’s number one express air cargo hub. Given its status as a freeport tax site, we are confident that if approved, we will have little difficulty in attracting businesses, bringing much-needed jobs to the region during its construction and operation.
“The proposals we have submitted to the council outline how we have carefully considered the opportunities and constraints of the site, seeking to strike the balance between the need for such a development against the potential impact on the environment and local residents.
“We have met and will continue to meet members of Diseworth Parish Council and community groups and have aimed to address their concerns in our proposals.”
Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport, added: “Our mission is to act as a catalyst for economic regeneration across the East Midlands to create thousands of jobs, boosting skills for local workers and accelerating the region’s commitment to decarbonisation through sustainable development and low-carbon energy investments.
“We support moves by our key partners to develop the freeport’s strategically important sites which offer unparalleled connectivity to the rest of the UK. We also welcome the consultation the airport has carried out with the local community and the steps they have taken to address their concerns as part of the process.”
