Amazon confirms new 'delivery station' in Rochdale

Aerial photo of Kingsway Business Park

Online retail giant Amazon has confirmed it is opening a new 'delivery station' at Kingsway Business Park which is expected to be fully operational this autumn.

The 20,000 square metre delivery hub will create around 50 permanent jobs, in addition to over a hundred driver opportunities for Amazon Logistics’ delivery service partners and Amazon Flex delivery partners.

Amazon describe delivery stations as 'powering the last mile' of the Amazon order process. Packages are shipped to a delivery station from neighbouring Amazon fulfilment and sortation centres, loaded into delivery vehicles and delivered to customers.

Kerry-Anne Lawlor, Country Director for Amazon Logistics, said: “We are excited to invest in the Rochdale area with a new delivery station that will provide efficient delivery for customers, and create new jobs for the talented workforce.”

Planning permission was approved for the facility at ‘Plot J’ of Kingsway in June.

The application for the 11-acre site, off James Kearns Avenue, said it would accommodate 665 vans, with each space fitted with electric vehicle charging points.

The development will also provide a ‘modest welfare building’, a guard hut, 8m high LED lighting columns and acoustic fencing.

Plans involve retaining the landscaping belt separating the site from Lower Lane and the Silver Hill Farm complex, with additional measures to be taken if necessary.

Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd has welcomed the announcement.

He said: “Rochdale needs jobs, so it is good to see this announcement by Amazon that they are creating these permanent jobs for the town. This is a strong signal that Rochdale is a great place to locate. The example that Amazon is setting will be followed by many other businesses.”