Is This The Future Of Urban Logistics?
A last-mile delivery concept mixing electric car recharging, e-bikes and a parcel/freight consolidation centre is being hailed as a UK first that could transform the urban logistics scene.
The neighbourhood delivery hub in Manchester will act like a freight consolidation centre to overcome last-mile delivery problems in urban areas, but there will also be 150 secure cycling spaces, changing rooms, and an e-bike and car club, along with 102 (rising to 408) EV charging spots.
By creating a delivery depot to receive local deliveries and parcels, and limiting delivery vehicles to a specific area, the hub will slash the number of delivery vehicles zigzagging across the neighbourhood, reducing travel by these vehicles by 1200 kilometres per day, the promoters said.
The site is intended to “break the traditional link between residential leases and car parking leases, allowing residents to acquire and relinquish a right to a parking space as their circumstances change,” Place North West reported.
A planning application for the new mobility hub is part of a wider vision for the Poland Street and Ancoats Green area, east of the city centre. The project is being promoted by Manchester Life, the city council’s joint venture with investor Abu Dhabi United Group, along with the Great Places Housing Group.
The unit is due to open by late 2023.
The new facility will replace trade counter units owned by the council.
