DHL becomes first tenant to sign at Airport City

DHL has signed the first pre-let at Airport City Manchester; for a new 37,300 sq ft building at Airport City South, the logistics park within the £800m development.

The parcel delivery giant, not currently represented at the airport, said the new facility would meet growing demand for its services, especially export of British goods. The new building will be next to Manchester Airport's existing cargo centre at Junction 6 of the M56.

When complete, the new centre will offer international services and provide the core DHL Service Point for drop-off and collection.

Airport City Manchester will be delivered by a joint venture between Manchester Airports Group and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, Carillion, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Argent.

The £100m logistics park has consent for 1.4m sq ft of new premises set in 36 acres. The overall development has consent for 5m sq ft including offices, hotels, retail and leisure.

Phil Couchman, chief executive of DHL Express, UK and Ireland, said: "As the region's economy goes from strength to strength, this new facility also marks a milestone in the growth of DHL. This operation will serve to enhance DHL's competitive logistical performance due to its strategic location, state-of-the-art features and best in class handling processes.

"What's more, the location of the hub within the Enterprise Zone will support future export opportunities for small businesses in the region, allowing British businesses to get their product to international markets with even greater speed and reliability."

John Atkins, MAG's property director, said: "This is fantastic news for the local area and the regional economy, as well as a high-calibre kick-off point for Airport City. DHL is a global leader in its field and a well-established, highly-recognised global brand, which we are delighted to welcome as the first occupier at the UK's first Airport City. The logistics sector is a key growth area and we aim to build on Manchester's status as a major airport for cargo, with the logistics hub at Airport City becoming a catalyst for economic growth in the region."

CBRE and Jones Lang LaSalle are letting agents on Airport City Manchester.