MAG (Manchester Airports Group) has appointed McLaren to build a warehouse and logistics facility on the site of a former WWII aircraft hangar at Manchester Airport
The design and build project, which will be known as ‘dnata City North’, incorporates the construction of a 145,000 sq ft warehouse and logistics facility with a two-storey office space.
Designed by architect RPS, dnata’s new warehouse and logistics facility will set a new benchmark for air cargo handling and warehousing.
McLaren will manage the Cat B fit-out of 20,000 sq ft of dnata-branded office space and will oversee external drainage and landscaping works. During the design process, virtual reality technology was used to future-proof the building.
The facility will include flexible office accommodation, providing a mixture of workspace and meeting facilities, as well as breakout spaces and a fitness suite.
David Murphy, managing director of operations at McLaren, said: “By working closely with MAG Property, the property and development arm of MAG, and dnata at the earliest stage of this project, it became evident that attention to detail and strong management of construction schedules and logistics will be crucial to the success of this project.
“By leveraging our close relationships with our supply chain partners and focusing on MAG’s specific business drivers, we have been able to develop an effective and robust plan for the design and build of dnata’s new logistics warehouse and office space.”
Jonathan Haigh, MAG property’s managing director, added: “The scale of dnata’s ambition and longevity of commitment rightly called for our assembly of this prime site and for a suitably impressive scheme to fully exploit its potential.
“From master planning to transaction execution, it’s been a great example of how we blend our airport operations knowledge with real estate development expertise and work hard and with skill for our customers.”
dnata UK chief executive Gary Morgan, commented: “We’ve worked closely with MAG Property and the design team to ensure that dnata City North is able to adapt to the dynamic industry in which we operate, as well as providing our staff with a quality working environment.”
Particularly well situated for ease of airfield access, the new warehouse and logistics facility will allow dnata to consolidate and grow its Manchester operations with the capacity to handle over 150,000 tonnes per annum.
It will become operational in late summer 2020.
