Antrim a step closer to role as Heathrow logistics hub

By Iveren McCallion

Three Antrim sites could play a major role in the expansion of Heathrow, Europe's largest airport, after being longlisted as possible logistics hubs.

If their bids are won, Woodside Road, Shackleton Barracks or Global Point Business Park could be used to pre-build components for the London airport's third runway.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is heading up the campaign, working alongside colleagues in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and other key partners.

Sixty-five sites across the UK are being considered for one of four final locations, with six of them in Northern Ireland.

They include North Foreshore in Belfast, Silverwood Business Park in Craigavon and Belfast International in Crumlin.

The Heathrow expansion is the first major infrastructure project in the UK to pioneer the large-scale use of logistics hubs for the third runway which will lead to jobs created in every corner of the UK.

Mayor of Midand East Antrim, councillor Paul Reid said, "I am confident we are ideally placed to deliver on this remarkable project and create a legacy for our citizens and those throughout the UK, capitalising on our area's talent, entrepreneurship and ambition.

He continued, "We are working with our partners so that our area is afforded the best possible opportunity to play a major role in this innovative scheme and we remain steadfastly committed to doing all that we can to secure a pioneering logistics hub."

Mayor of Antrim and Newtowabbey council, councillor Paul Hamill said, "I am delighted to be working in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on this exciting opportunity.

"We have a strong infrastructure in the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey and being successful in this bid will only help to build and grow these strong business links."