Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s joint bid to become Scotland’s Heathrow Logistics Hub received a major boost by securing a place on the short-list of sites in the running to deliver Britain’s largest infrastructure project.
The airport’s bid was on a long list of 65 potential applicants, which Heathrow has whittled down to a final short-list of 18 (with four north of the border) — following a visit by Heathrow Airport representatives last June and the
completion of a detailed pre-qualification questionnaire earlier this year.
As a partnership between Glasgow Prestwick Airport, ABP Ports and South Ayrshire Council, the Ayrshire Logistics Hub is in contention to become one of four UK-wide off-site construction centres that will be announced early next year, ahead of work commencing in 2021.
A Scottish hub is guaranteed as a key feature of Heathrow’s plan to enhance jobs and growth in Scotland as a consequence of its overall expansion project.
The hubs will work by pre-assembling components off-site before transporting them in consolidated loads to Heathrow — the first major infrastructure project in the UK to use this method on a large scale.
Heathrow’s additional flight capacity could also potentially lead to new domestic services operating from Scottish airports — boosting the country’s tourism and trade.
Stewart Adams, Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be selected for the next phase of the tender process, and we are confident that the region has all the key attributes required to support
long-term expansion at Heathrow.”
The Ayrshire Logistics Hub’s bid is reinforced by an extensive construction and engineering supply chain of more than 1,000 businesses, engaged through an innovative procurement model.
Its overall offering is distinct due to its location — containing an abundance of land and infrastructure while benefitting from 100% business rates relief, plus excellent transport links to Scotland, the North of England and Northern Ireland alongside a hugely competitive labour market.