Plans have been approved for a new logistics and global content creation studio at a Manchester Airport site.
Icon Industrial made the announcement, which will make way for work to begin on ICON, an 11.6-acre logistics and global content creation studio at Manchester Airport on behalf of online beauty and wellbeing retailer, The Hut Group (THG).
The new location could house up to 2,000 people.
Approval means construction could start on site as early as March 2019, with completion timetabled for April 2020.
The development will provide a 168,000 sq. ft. warehouse and 104,000 sq. ft. of office space over four floors, which will dramatically expand THG’s logistics and content production capabilities.
It is part of the eCommerce giant’s co-location at Manchester Airport, which includes a new 280,00 sq. ft. office building at Airport City North – ‘THQ’.
The combined developments are expected to support up to 10,000 jobs.
Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford Developments and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has recently submitted two further planning applications to Manchester City Council for significant new developments at its 45-acre warehouse and logistics site.
“We are delighted that THG has chosen ICON as the site for its new logistics and global content creation studio, it is fantastic news for Icon Manchester Airport and for the wider North West region,” said Dan Gallagher, joint managing director of Stoford Developments.
“This site is in a key strategic location at the very heart of the Northern Powerhouse and its unrivalled airport connectivity will enable THG to reach a worldwide market.
“It is the fourth exciting development planned at the site, such has been the demand from potential occupiers keen to relocate to Icon Manchester Airport.
“The remaining land presents potential occupiers with an excellent opportunity to have a unit built to their specific requirements and continues the fulfilment of the Airport City masterplan, expanding and enhancing the logistical facilities on site.”
The news follows THG’s acquisition and integration in 2017 of Hangar 7, the UK’s leading content studio.
“ICON is our next step in expanding the Group’s content production and logistics capabilities dramatically,” added Matthew Moulding, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Hut Group.