Plans to build an £11m distribution warehouse for parcel delivery group DPD Group UK in Chadderton have been given the go-ahead.
Oldham Council's planning committee approved proposals to create the 60,000 sq ft facility (pictured) on land off Greengate at its meeting on Wednesday (21 September). The proposed scheme is being overseen by industrial developer Chancerygate.
DPD Group UK, which specialises in express postal and courier services, has agreed to take up occupancy.
It is expected that 200 delivery driver jobs and a further 64 employment opportunities would be created onsite by 2025. Approximately 100 jobs would also be created during the construction phase.
Louise Ferguson, general manager of property at DPD Group UK, said: "We're delighted to get the go-ahead and grateful to Oldham Council for their support to date. The new distribution centre will be a state-of-the-art facility that will not only expand our existing operation in the region, but also help futureproof our business to meet the growing demand for our services.
"Most importantly for the local area, the project will also create a significant number of new jobs as the centre builds up to full capacity."
The plot earmarked for regeneration, which is currently derelict and vacant, was previously part of a BAE System's factory.
The plans envisage a purpose-built storage and distribution centre, two-storey office block and single-storey welfare block with changing areas, toilets and a canteen. There would also be loading facilities and a service yard for large articulated vehicles, including 27 spaces for heavy goods vehicles.
The proposed facility would be operational 24 hours a day seven days a week, and include 120 onsite car parking spaces for staff, including six disabled spaces and six additional customer spaces.
Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: "This is great news that DPD Group UK are investing in the borough – they are the type of global brand Oldham Council is looking to attract here.
"We've done it already with ODEON, the Audi dealership planned for Chadderton Way, plus Marks and Spencer at Prince's Gate at Oldham Mumps - this shows that market leaders see the borough as a place where they can do business and invest."
The development is expected to be completed by the summer of 2017.