Business and community leaders in Allerdale and Copeland have submitted a bid for the area in order to host one of the four logistics hubs to support the planned expansion of Heathrow. The expansion project is expected to deliver up to £16 billion worth of economic benefits and create 15,300 jobs across the North West.

“Heathrow expansion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the UK construction industry, build for the future and deliver a lasting skills legacy for future generations. All of this comes at a pivotal time for our country, as it prepares itself to leave the EU and where we need to build for our future in both travel and trade,” said lord Deighton, Chairman at Heathrow Airport.

The local bid has been led by Sellafield Ltd and supported by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Allerdale and Copeland councils, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, Workington MP Sue Hayman and Copeland MP Trudy Harrison.

Eight expressions of interest in the region have made it to Heathrow’s long list, with 65 sites being considered nationally. A delegation from Heathrow will visit all longlisted locations by the end of the month to assess their suitability before narrowing down the list of areas it puts through to the next round.

The delegation, joined by representatives of Sellafield, the councils and BEC Business Cluster, has already visited the former Alcan site on the A595 as an example of the kind of development site available in the area

“It is very early days, but the Heathrow delegation were impressed by the levels of skills in manufacturing and engineering that we already have in West Cumbria, much of which is engaged in our supply chain at Sellafield. They were also interested to learn more about the capability that we are able to grow through the world-class educational facilities at Lillyhall, with the Construction Skills Academy, National College for Nuclear,” explained Jamie Reed, Sellafield Ltd’s head of corporate affairs, who also hosted the visit.