Pie in the sky

Published: Thursday, 15 June 2017

IT WAS way back in 2004 that Peel Holdings, owners of the Manchester Ship Canal told of its grandiose scheme of Port Salford,  the country's first ever inland port facility and national distribution park, that would be accessible by inland water, mainline rail and motorway.

But alas nothing happened until July 2009 when it was announced (£400 millions freight terminal) that planning permission had been granted for a £400 millions port and cargo hub that it is claimed will create more than 2,000 jobs.

Cost plummeted

Since then, eight years ago, all had gone quite, but again it is in the news, but this time not so grandiose, as its cost have plummeted from £400 millions to £138 millions, and now just described as offering  'one of the most significant new warehousing and logistics opportunities in the UK'.

It seems it is like all too many other freight on water schemes—older readers may remember other schemes like the Cemex in Gloucester the freight hub in Nottingham, that never saw the light of day, though Port Salford could work to some extent being on the Manchester Ship Canal.

It is now 13 years since Port Salford was first muted, and though a few warehouses could still be built, it is looking more and more like yet another pie in the sky.