Cumbria destined to become one of Europe's major logistics gateways

Plans for a multi-million pound transport hub for Cumbria, in north-west England have been unveiled.
Work is to begin at the port of Workington to develop Cumbria into one of Europe’s major logistics gateways. 

A partnership between the port, Carlisle-based rail freight operator Direct Rail Services and supply chain specialist TDG has been forged to spearhead Multimodal Cumbria 2011 – part of an initiative by economic regeneration group Britain’s Energy Coast to create a container handling facility and hub to serve the north-west. 

Britain’s Energy Coast officials said the new gateway would be vital for the future sustainability and growth of businesses in Cumbria and the north-west region. 

The project has been made possible by investments of £4 million (US$6.4m) from Nuclear Management Partners and £1.7m from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. 

Brian Wilson, Britain’s Energy Coast Chairman, said: “The new offering at the port of Workington is a jewel in the crown for West Cumbria as it will open up the area in a way that we’ve not seen before."