Peel Ports gets go-ahead to boost Liverpool space

Peel Ports Group has been given the green light to increase its distribution warehousing at Liverpool Intermodal Freeport Terminal to 4m sq ft.   The developer has received planning permission for a further 400,000 sq ft of industrial space from Sefton Borough Council following the letting of all 600,000 sq ft of the development’s first stage   Construction of the second phase of the LIFT project is expected to start later this year, with the whole development completed in 2009.   The project will consist of units ranging from 70,000 to more than 200,000 sq ft, accessible by sea, rail, road and inland barge.   The scheme is designed to take advantage of the planned increase in the port’s rail capacity when work to enhance the link between the docks and the national rail network is completed in December.   Peel Ports marketing director Frank Robotham said: “It continues to reflect the demand from logistics companies to be part of a port community that offers a strategic location which maximises efficiency and minimises distribution costs.   “Completion of the LIFT project is just one element in the long term expansion plan for the Port of Liverpool as the North and North West of England’s natural, cost-effective gateway to world sea routes.   “Every tonne of cargo handled through Liverpool reduces road haul miles across Britain’s congested roads and makes its own contribution to securing a greener environment. It also gives the great swathe of Northern England international access without dependency on south coast ports.”   patrick.clift@rbi.co.uk