A HUGE new “state-of-the-art” industrial hub could be coming to the UK – and is the size of 150 football pitches.
The huge development is located near a major UK airport and would create thousands of in the area.
A huge new development could be built on land near East Midlands Airport
The project is expected to create 5,270 jobs and £325 million of investment in the area
Plans for a huge development project located near East Midlands Airport have been revealed.
The industrial hub would bring over 5,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds of to the Leicestershire site.
Developer of the project, SEGRO, has presented its proposal for the land south of East Midlands Airport, located between Diseworth and the M1.
Known as East Midlands Gateway 2, the huge development measures around 252 acres of land, roughly the size of 150 pitches.
The project looks to provide around 326,500 sq metres of “state-of-the-art” employment space, creating around 5,720 .
It is also expected to create investment of £325 million into the of the East Midlands, “driving economic growth and supporting the local community”.
SEGRO is also the developer behind the East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park, and this new proposal looks to build upon the success of the existing project.
Other parts of the new development include infrastructure improvements, such as new access from the A453, a new bus terminal, a HGV parking area and improvements to the existing rail freight terminal.
Plans also look to create a huge community park, and upgraded landscaping areas including biodiversity enhancements.
East Midlands Gateway 2 will also form part of the Freeport.
Currently the UK’s only inland freeport, the site allows businesses to benefit from tax and customs incentives and, in turn, boosting trade.
A previous application, around half the size of East Midlands Gateway 2, was submitted for the land near the airport, although it was met with strong opposition from campaigners.
The application was updated with Prologis UK Ltd, and in 2025 turned into a joint application with Airport Group in 2025.
It is currently still under consideration by the North West District Council (NWLDC).
The East Midlands Gateway 2 application, however, is set to be examined by a panel appointed by the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
This is because the bid is being considered as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the application will ultimately be decided by the relevant Secretary of State.
The formal examination hearings for the proposal have already begun, starting in March of this year, and are expected to continue until September.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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