Manchester Airports Group and Prologis team up to launch industrial park

Manchester Airports Group, owner of East Midlands Airport, has partnered with Prologis to develop an industrial logistics and advanced manufacturing park near EMA. The new park is a designated East Midlands Freeport tax site which will stimulate economic growth, investment and employment in the region, helping to unlock £1bn of investment in and around the airport. It will contribute to a corridor of innovation around MAG’s airports across the North, Midlands and South East of England in key growth-driving sectors, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The development site, south of the airport, will offer operators the option of various tax and customs reliefs and simplified import/export procedures. A planning application for the new park has been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council, which, if approved, will bring up to 2,000 jobs and £132m of economic growth per year to the East Midlands, while contributing £9m of additional business rates. As part of the partnership, Prologis will also deliver a centre for logistics job training and education in Leicestershire. The centre will host the Prologis Warehousing and Logistics Training programme – providing local people with the skills and experiences needed to begin and progress their career in logistics. Prologis has developed logistic parks at some of the world’s largest international airports including London, Amsterdam and New York. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This investment in East Midlands Freeport is a clear demonstration of the UK’s strength as a hub for innovation. It will create thousands of new jobs driving growth in the region and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics.” EMA’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted to announce Prologis as our global development partner and excited by the prospect of unlocking significant investments in East Midlands Freeport for the region. “This is an exciting step forward for growth in and around the airport, as our unrivalled cargo operation continues to act as a catalyst for investment in our region and we look at ways to build on its success.” Image © Manchester Airports Group