In a landmark development for the region’s logistics sector, Belfast Harbour has announced that leading logistics provider Manfreight will open a new £9 million state-of-the-art chilled distribution hub on West Bank Road—marking the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Northern Ireland in over a quarter of a century.

This milestone coincides with a historic year for the region—2023 marks 50 years since Manfreight’s founding and 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, a period defined by Northern Ireland’s growth and innovation. Reflecting this journey, the new 50,000 ft² centre is designed to set a new benchmark in intelligent, sustainable logistics.

A Strategic Investment in Port-Centric Supply Chain Infrastructure

The facility, part of Belfast Harbour’s ongoing Port infrastructure investment programme, will be strategically located beside the Port’s key RoRo and container terminals, enhancing its role as a gateway for Northern Ireland’s vital agri-food sector.

Belfast Harbour will fund the base construction of the high-tech, temperature-controlled warehouse, while Manfreight will invest an additional £4 million to deliver cutting-edge fit-out features—including intelligent refrigeration systems, automated warehouse management, and streamlined customs capabilities.

Designed for Sustainability, Built for the Future

The logistics hub will be the first in Northern Ireland constructed to BREEAM Excellent environmental standards, offering energy-efficient chilled and ambient space for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and pharmaceutical sectors. Local firm Felix O’Hare & Co has commenced construction, with completion scheduled for early 2024.

Chris Slowey, Managing Director at Manfreight, commented:

“This new industry-leading chilled warehouse is a strategic step forward as we meet the demand for more sustainable and digitised logistics solutions.

We’re proud to be deepening our long-standing partnership with Belfast Harbour in delivering a future-ready, port-centric facility that supports the agri-food supply chain and creates new jobs in the local economy. From temperature-controlled cross-docking to fully automated customs, this centre is truly a masterpiece of intelligent storage and distribution.”

A Boost for Trade, Jobs, and Regional Growth

The announcement has been welcomed by key stakeholders, including Steve Baker MP, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, who noted:

“Belfast Harbour is a cornerstone of our regional economy. This £9 million investment, with Manfreight as a tenant, will significantly support Northern Irish agri-food producers and retailers, strengthening both import and export trading routes.”

Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, added:

“The decision by Manfreight to occupy this facility on a long-term basis signals strong confidence in the region’s agri-food and logistics sectors.

The demand for modern, energy-efficient infrastructure has never been higher, and this development responds directly to the needs of today’s logistics market. With over 500,000 ft² of logistics space already developed in this part of the Harbour Estate, it’s clear that the Port offers a unique competitive advantage.”