DPD is set to enhance its workforce with a new hub.
- The facility in County Durham will ensure 125 existing jobs.
- An agreement secures 250 additional jobs at Forrest Park.
- Construction is scheduled to start next year.
- The project aligns with DPD’s sustainability goals.
DPD, a leader in parcel delivery services, is poised to augment its operational capabilities through the establishment of a new distribution centre at an extensively developed business park in County Durham. This initiative, valued at £100 million, is anticipated to substantially benefit the local economy by safeguarding 125 current jobs while also creating 250 new employment opportunities.
The project’s groundwork is being laid by Richardson Barberry, a renowned joint venture developer, which has secured a long-term lease agreement with DPD. Spanning a substantial eight-acre plot near Junction 59 of the A1(M) at Newton Aycliffe, the development will feature a 63,000 square foot warehouse custom-built for DPD’s operational needs.
This undertaking marks a significant phase in the broader planning efforts of Richardson Barberry, which received the necessary planning consent two years prior. The comprehensive plan is forecasted to inject nearly half a billion pounds into County Durham’s economy over the next decade, thanks to an expansive 1.8 million square feet of industrial space expected to generate over 3,000 jobs.
Jon Robinson, the development director at Barberry, remarked on the pre-lease agreement with DPD, emphasising the strategic significance of Forrest Park’s connectivity and the skilled workforce available in the vicinity. He expressed anticipation over potential interest from other occupiers following this agreement, which is instrumental in enhancing the site’s infrastructure.
DPD’s Louise Ferguson conveyed enthusiasm over the selection of Forrest Park, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability, particularly through the adoption of electric delivery vehicles. The new facility is positioned to bolster DPD’s service efficiency by enabling a more streamlined fleet operation that reduces emissions and shortens delivery routes.
Durham County Council’s partnership in the Forrest Park project has seen significant investments, including £14 million to prepare the site. This collaboration aims to extend Aycliffe Business Park, enhancing its status as the largest in the region with diversified business and industrial units.
The strategic location and promising industrial space at Forrest Park continue to drive interest from various sectors. DPD UK’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040 finds a supportive infrastructure in this development, aligning with the broader environmental objectives validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
This strategic investment by DPD and its partners at Forrest Park promises significant economic and environmental benefits for the region.