Distribution park set to give jobs boost (From Thurrock Gazette)

Distribution park set to give jobs boost

7:40am Friday 11th January 2013 in News

A NEW distribution park in Tilbury could create up to 1,100 jobs.

Forth Ports, which owns the Port of Tilbury, has teamed up with Roxhill Developments to build the London Distribution Park on a 70-acre site just outside the port’s gates.

The plan was first announced in December 2011, and Forth Ports secured planning permission to create 940,000 sq ft of employment space, comprising warehouse, industrial, and office space, in March last year.

Construction is expected to start in the next few months, with companies hopefully moving in by the end of the year.

Charles Hammond, chief executive officer at Forth Ports, believes the park will help secure the long-term prosperity of the port.

He said: “London Distribution Park is a key development for Forth Ports and we are delighted to be working with Roxhill.

“LDP will complement the port’s successful distribution capability, and further develop our portcentric strategy, making the Tilbury port London’s leading distribution hub and securing its long term prosperity.”

Thurrock’s Conservative MP Jackie Doyle-Price said: “It is fantastic to hear about this new investment and the jobs it will create.

“The Port of Tilbury has had a great 125 years and this investment confirms it has a great future.”

Andy Smith, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, is firmly in support of the development.

He said: “This is really tremendously good news to start the New Year with. The jobs this development will bring will help Thurrock grow into the logistics hub for the nation.

“Today’s news, in conjunction with the first berth at London Gateway being expected to come on stream in the last few months of the year, shows Thurrock is starting to fulfil its potential.”