A leading transport company could build their headquarters near Motherwell in a move that would create 2000 jobs.
Family-owned Russell Logistics is seeking permission to build a development at a site in Ravenscraig, near Motherwell.
If given the go-ahead, the facility would include a training academy and be a test bed for the transport industry.
After carrying out public consultations in 2020, the proposal for the £200m development will be heard by the planning hearing committee on Thursday, December 15.
If approved, the first phase of the development would start in early 2023 with the expectation to be completed in 2028.
Kenneth Russell, director at Russell Group, said: “We are hugely excited by the potential of this development, which will drive real and tangible benefits to the local population, not least through the creation of hundreds of new and high-quality jobs in phase 1 alone.
“We have carried out extensive engagement with the community and local stakeholders throughout this process.
"At a time when there is so much economic uncertainty, we are proud to be investing in North Lanarkshire and committed to making it home to our planned headquarters and logistics hub.
“The proposed development would also help meet the Scottish Government’s agenda for developing a net-zero freight and logistics rail network for Scotland which is hugely important in creating a sustainable future.”
The area has undergone major investment in ten years, with around 900 homes being built as well as the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, a state-of-the-art college campus, a pub restaurant and hotel, and a new play park.
Developer Ravenscraig Ltd has said that it would boost local employment and boost the wider North Lanarkshire economy.
Russell Wilkie, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, said: “This proposed development will build on the progress that has already been achieved across the site, and is especially welcome in the current economic conditions.
“Part of the site’s broader objectives and contained within the site Masterplan, is delivering new skilled jobs to Ravenscraig, this proposed development achieves this while also helping support other key elements of the plan, including further housing and community facilities.
“We believe that an investment of this size will be crucial to unlocking further regeneration opportunities at Ravenscraig, driving economic benefit across North Lanarkshire and beyond.”
A decision will be made on the proposal by North Lanarkshire Council on December 23, 2022.
