XPO Logistics has submitted a planning application for a new circa £40m logistics hub at a site bounded by Edinburgh Road and Legbrannock Road in Newarthill, Motherwell.
The aim is to address a market-proven requirement for large-scale warehousing facilities in the region, as well as delivering biodiversity enhancement measures over the more than 40-acre site, which adjoins the company’s existing transport hub.
The global logistics provider is seeking to deliver a 300,000 square foot warehouse for storage and distribution, with associated offices.
This facility should create up to 473 direct new jobs, as well as those created through the construction process and in the wider economy, as a result of the investment.
Having carried out market research, XPO identified an acute shortage of warehouse space over 100,000 square feet along the M8 corridor.
Additionally, the facility is aspiring to achieve net zero carbon for operational energy. This should be achieved through creative building design measures and the introduction of low and zero carbon technologies, such as roof-mounted solar panels.
Only around a third of the development site will be occupied by the warehousing facilities and associated built infrastructure, with the remaining portion reserved for biodiversity enhancement measures and improved public access.
A spokesperson for XPO Logistics said: “The exciting development will provide significant benefits to the local community, with this investment of £40m, creating almost 500 net new jobs, delivering a 100% carbon neutral facility and addressing increasing e-commerce demands.
“The submission of the planning application follows extensive consultation, and we would like to thanks the local community and wider stakeholders for their input into this.”
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