Thousands of jobs could be created as part of a major Leicestershire logistic park’s expansion
That’s according to developers who have submitted the plan. IM Properties say the move could also “drive inward investment” into the county.
The plan seeks to expand the existing Mercia Park logistics park in Appleby Magna, south of Ashby. Details of the expansion first emerged in April last year, with IM Properties confirming this week it had now submitted the proposal to officials at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).
If approved, the new expansion would sit on land between Mercia Park’s existing site – which currently employs more than 2,500 people – and Junction 11 of the M42. IM Properties say the expansion could create between 1,000 and 1,700 jobs on site once complete and fully operational and deliver an estimated £2.8 million per year in business rates.
The land at the centre of the proposal has previously been identified in NWLDC’s Local Plan as a site for potential allocation for strategic distribution. IM Properties says the inclusion in the plan recognises that new development at this site could capitalise on the profile and infrastructure at Mercia Park.
The existing Mercia Park site is the home of JLR’s Global Logistics Centre (Unipart) and global transport and logistics company DSV. Developers say the new site will continue to deliver high-quality buildings set within a green infrastructure that includes woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows.
Matthew Fox, planning director at IM Properties, said: “Mercia Park has demonstrated that it is a leading location for business with excellent transport links and net zero-ready buildings all within a high quality landscaped setting. Expansion of this important economic asset would capitalise on the profile and success of the site and provide much-needed new business space to help drive inward investment in Leicestershire.”
When plans first emerged, concerns were raised about the expansion’s impacts on traffic. Nearby residents had claimed Mercia Park has “never been welcome” in the area, while others believed the expansion would leave traffic permanently “gridlocked”. Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe Parish Council also spoke about the increase in road use around the logistics park, saying it would add to existing “massive traffic issues” on the M42.
Click here for NWLDC’s Local Plan
https://couriernews.co.uk/blog/leicestershire-logistics-park-could-create-new-jobs/