When complete, the new facility will provide the drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with amenities including a restaurant, café, bathrooms and showers, and will accommodate over 120 lorries with 24-hour security.
Alongside these driver welfare benefits, the 7,500 sq. m site is expected to alleviate residential concerns regarding local traffic and reduce carbon emissions, both of which were major factors in Southampton City Council’s approval of the development.
DP World is working with longtime construction partner Earlcoate on the project, building on their last joint venture creating a new slipway for the Southampton Sea Cadets earlier this year.
Jonathan Scott, head of engineering at DP World Southampton, said: “With our £15m outlay on this outstanding new facility for drivers we are investing in a vital part of the supply chain. At a time when the pressure to manage costs, maintain reliability and improve speed has never been greater, we are acutely aware that supply chains rely on people who deserve to be looked after.”
“DP World is building a unique array of assets and suite of capabilities, helping our UK and European customers stay competitive in a fast changing and unpredictable trading environment. No-one can match us for the diversity of our assets or the breadth of our supply chain capabilities and there will be more investments in the UK in 2024.”
The site for the driver welfare facility was leased by DP World from Port of Southampton operator ABP in January this year and is the latest project to be undertaken as part of DP World’s investment of a further £1bn in its UK operations over the next 10 years.
In addition to its UK hubs at London Gateway and Southampton, DP World’s offer includes logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network. Operating in 78 countries, DP World handles 10% of world trade.