TWO North-East locations have been shortlisted for the construction of a new logistics hub as part of Heathrow Airport's expansion programme.
Heathrow, the trading name of Heathrow Airport in London, is working on plans to find four suitable locations across the country.
The airport's expansion plans focus on the construction of a third runway, which bosses claim will alleviate an airport currently operating at "98 per cent capacity".
On Thursday, Heathrow bosses confirmed that two sites in the North-East – at Dalton in North Yorkshire and Ferryhill in County Durham – had been shortlisted from an initial longlist of 65 locations.
If successful, each new and purpose-built hub, would be jointly-responsible along with three others, in the construction and transport of assembled components.
EXPANSION PLANS: Heathrow airport is at '98 per cent capacity'
The Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate, home to the Yorkshire-based steel-manufacturer, Severfield plc, is now expected to pitch its location for a final time later this year.
Whilst Tarmac Trading Ltd's Thrislington Works in County Durham will follow suit.
Heathrow bosses anticipate final decisions will be made in 2020.
Gary Wintersgill managing director of Severfield plc said: “We are delighted to be confirmed as one of the shortlisted sites for the Heathrow Logistics Hub expansion – the expansion is a truly national project that will benefit every region by spreading jobs, boosting productivity and modernising the construction industry outside of London and the South-East – a logistics hub in Dalton would bring huge benefits to people and businesses in the area, creating jobs and supply chain opportunities and leaving a skills legacy for future generations.”
The hubs, also known as offsite construction centres, are expected to provide hundreds of jobs.
Emma Gilthorpe executive Director for expansion at Heathrow said: “Logistics hubs are also integral to harnessing the skills the UK needs post-Brexit – we are working with other major infrastructure projects to see if they might also benefit from these hubs, creating a bright, new future for the UK’s construction sector – Heathrow is as committed as ever to creating a plan that delivers for every corner of the UK."
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