Around 1,500 new local jobs are set to be created by the arrival of Amazon in Greater Manchester.
The online retail giant has agreed to take a 654,000 sq ft warehouse in Airport City South. A 270,000 sq ft warehouse is already under construction close to Hale Barns after Manchester Airports Group and logistics specialist Stoford were granted planning permission.
But now Amazon has applied to extend the floor space with internal floors, taking it to 654,000 sq ft.
There’s also a 42,840 sq ft office and a 120,000 sq ft car park.
Jonathan Haigh, director of development management and infrastructure at MAG Property, said: “This deal marks a major milestone for Airport City and creates 1,500 new local jobs, which is exciting news.
“Manchester Airport’s network of flights to destinations around the globe is one of the key things that makes Airport City attractive to businesses looking to relocate or set up new bases in the UK.
“This deal provides clear evidence of that and also gives Amazon close access to both their supply chain and the 22 million potential customers within a two-hour drive of Manchester Airport.
“We look forward to welcoming them to the development.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The news that Amazon is creating 1,500 jobs at Airport City is tremendous for Wythenshawe and Manchester as a whole.
“This development shows how attractive a location close to the aiport, with its extensive connections, is for occupiers who require a global reach.
“It follows on from previous examples of investor confidence in the enterprise zone, such as DHL relocating their overseas delivery logistics hub to Airport City South. There’s every reason to believe that Airport City will go from strength to strength.”
Currently under construction, the £800m Airport City scheme will encompass five million sq ft of hotels, offices, manifacturing, logistics and retail space.
