Amazon to create 1,500 jobs by opening huge warehouse at Airport City.

The internet retail  giant plans to occupy a substantial space at Airport City south in Wythenshawe - the £800m business, hotel and industrial space being built around the hub. 

Online giant Amazon is set to move into a huge warehouse at Wythenshawe’s Airport City, bringing 1,500 jobs to the region.

The retailer, the biggest internet seller in the world, plans to occupy more than 800,000 sq ft in Airport City south – the £800m business, hotel and industrial space being built around the hub.

The 260,000 sq ft warehouse is already under construction after Manchester Airports Group and logistics specialist Stoford were granted planning permission.

But Amazon has applied to extend the floor space with two internal mezzanine levels, taking it to 654,000 sq ft.

This is in addition to a 42,840 sq ft office and a 120,000 sq ft car park.

Mike Kane, Wythenshawe MP, said the move would place Wythenshawe ‘at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse’ and bring jobs to the community.

He said: “I’m genuinely elated. Amazon will be a massive anchor tenant for the region.
“It’s really good news for the Airport City development, south Manchester as a whole and our wider vision for the area.”

The Amazon plan follows DHL’s arrival at Airport City South. They opened a 37,308 sq ft warehouse in October 2014. The company now operates a daily freight flight from Leipzig to Manchester.

The jobs created are expected to revolve principally around the warehouse - to become a major site for stock.
The planning application includes mention of a new bus service from Wythenshawe.
Within a two-hour drive of more than 22million homes and at the airport, it’s ideally place for transporting goods.
New neigbhours DHL already work to deliver for Amazon.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “The news that Amazon is creating 1,500 jobs at Airport City is tremendous for Wythenshawe and Manchester as a whole.

“This development shows how attractive a location close to the airport, with its extensive connections, is for occupiers who require a global reach. It follows on from previous examples of investor confidence in the enterprise zone, such as DHL relocating their overseas delivery logistics hub to Airport City South. There’s every reason to believe that Airport City will go from strength to strength.”

Jonathan Haigh, director of development management and infrastructure, said: “This deal marks a major milestone for Airport City and
creates 1,500 new local jobs, which is exciting news.

“Manchester Airport’s network of flights to destinations around the globe is one of the key things that makes Airport City attractive to businesses looking to relocate or set up new bases in the UK.

“This deal provides clear evidence of that and also gives Amazon close access to both their supply chain and the 22 million potential customers within a two hour drive of Manchester Airport.”

Mr Kane added: “When you combine this with the £1bn investment in the airport terminal and the £800m investment in Airport City north and the biomedical science park at Wythenshawe Hospital, it all connects to our Northern Powerhouse.

“It makes Wythenshawe the centre of the Northern Powerhouse, especially with the HS2 station next door.
“We’re hoping to meet with Amazon to press them on commitment for local employment.”

The news comes as Manchester Airport’s Group announced its profits – with £25m set to go to Greater Manchester’s 10 councils, which part-owns its four airports.

By:  Charlotte Cox.

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