Work has started on a £12 million distribution facility for Co-op at Link Park, Newhouse in North Lanarkshire.
The seven-acre brownfield site was sold by Fusion Assets, the council's arm’s length property development and regeneration company. Prior to the sale, the company carried out a package of work, funded by the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Programme, to create a fully serviced and development ready site.
Fusion Assets then worked in partnership with Tulchan Developments to agree an 18-year lease with Co-op, which is building the 47,565 sq ft distribution facility next to its main Glasgow distribution centre. Construction is expected to be complete for October 2022.
Representatives from the partners involved visited the site last week to mark the start of construction with a sod cutting ceremony.
Murray Collins, Managing Director of Fusion Assets, said: “I am delighted that the initial public sector investment in acquiring and remediating the site at Link Park, Newhouse, has levered in additional investment from an overseas investor and secured Co-op as a tenant. The new Co-op facility will provide additional job opportunities and further embed a large and important employer into the local area.”
“This is another major investment in North Lanarkshire, confirming the area as a key location for business,” said Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee.
“Our location, skilled workforce, available land and accommodation, and excellent transport infrastructure have attracted more than £120million of investment from external business over the last three years.
“We welcome Co-op’s decision to expand their operations at Newhouse, which will see benefits for employment, construction and support services across North Lanarkshire.”
Tim Ellis of Co-Op Logistics added: ‘’We are delighted that work has started on the bespoke de-kit facility adjacent to our depot off the M8 outside Glasgow at Newhouse. The existing depot already serves around 600 Co-op stores and this new facility strengthens our core logistics operation in North Lanarkshire. Despite the challenging times, Tulchan and their team with contractor Luddon Construction are on programme to deliver the unit this autumn which in turn allows us to upgrade part of the existing depot. This investment is key to the development of our overall network as part of our commitment to Scotland.’’