Belfast, Ireland: Manfreight is to open its 50,000sq ft cold store in Belfast Harbour, the first purpose-built cold store warehouse constructed in Northern Ireland in more 25 years.
The £14m development was supported by funding from HSBC UK. The warehouse meets Breeam Excellence Standards and will be powered by rooftop solar panels. Planning approval was granted in September 2022, and construction started last year.
Chris Slowey, managing director, Manfreight, said: “HSBC UK’s funding has aided us to construct a best-in-class facility, ensuring our continued success for another 50 years.
“The new warehouse will be vital in driving growth and building stronger partnerships with our key customers.”
Port of Belfast director Michael Robinson said the investment by Manfreight demonstrates its confidence in both the local agri-food and distribution sector and also the competitive advantage the facility and its location will provide.
“Over the past decade, we have seen requirements change in the logistics market, with occupiers requiring more modern, energy efficient facilities, and this site presented an opportunity to construct an occupier-led, purpose-built warehouse in an ideal location within the harbour estate close to our main ferry terminals.
“With more than 500,000 sq ft of modern logistics space already developed in this part of the harbour estate, it is clear that the market sees the economic value of locating in the Port beside the ferry terminals,” he said.
