A new Ministry of Defence storage facility worth £86 million is set to be built in Longtown, bringing jobs and investment to strengthen ties on both sides of the border.
The size of 12 football pitches, Dr Neil Hudson MP welcomed the economic benefits that the massive facility will bring. Initial estimates suggest 300 jobs will be supported in the North of England and 150 in Scotland from the £86-million contract that has been awarded.
Due to complete in early October 2024, the new facility will be a key asset in supporting the armed forces on operations. The facility will provide safe and secure storage for equipment used by all three services such as engines and other large spare parts in the defence inventory.
Known as the MOD Distribution Centre (North), the Longtown facility will be built on a brownfield site within the Longtown estate. The build will provide greater resilience for UK Defence by enhancing MOD’s existing strategic warehouse sites in both Shropshire and Oxfordshire and will also allow older warehousing to be retired.
Much of the Departments’ warehouses were built around the Second World War, therefore the modernisation of warehouse facilities will provide the best protection for the assets it holds. The new facility will provide growth capacity for new capabilities coming into service over the next ten years and beyond.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Make no mistake this is a huge Government vote of confidence and investment in Longtown and I'm proud as the local MP to welcome in such a monumental project for my constituents.
"Not only strengthening our national defence infrastructure, this investment will contribute massively to the prosperity and growth of our border communities. I look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this project, fostering economic development and job opportunities for our border region."
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:
“I am delighted that work is being done at DM Longtown by McLaughlin and Harvey. Longtown is a hugely important, strategic facility and contributes much to the operational capability of Defence. This work also highlights the number of people at the facility who work cross-border and that Defence is a pan-UK business, involving contractors from right across the UK, to keep its people and allies safe.”
