Warehouses plans would create up to 2,000 jobs

Wakefield Council and Caddick Developments have unveiled plans for the Cross Point Wakefield development which will be built just off junction 33 of the M62.

A planning application was submitted to the council on Friday and the build is expected to be complete by next summer.

Coun Denise Jeffery, the council’s deputy leader responsible for economic growth, said: “This is a terrific opportunity and is a massive boost for the Five Towns and in particular the Knottingley area.

“It really will make a difference to the area and I am so pleased that we have got this opportunity to create jobs for the area. This is proof of how important it is to work with the private sector because councils can’t regenerate areas without all of the different partners and we need to work with as many people as possible to create wealth and jobs for our district.

“We are also working with a number of other businesses who are wishing to invest in the Wakefield district and are looking at announcing more good news in the coming months.”

The announcement comes after plans for gas-fired power station in Knottingley - which will create more than 1,000 jobs - were given the go ahead last week.

The Department for Energy and climate Change granted development consent for the Knottingley Power Project on the former Oxiris Chemical Works on Common Lane. The Cross Point Wakefield development will be built near Ferrybridge services where the M62 and A1(M) meet.

As part of its plans Caddick Developments will hold a public consultation at Pontefract Library this week.

Myles Hartley, managing director of Caddick Developments, said: “Cross Point Wakefield is an exciting development which will bring investment and employment to the area.

“Once completed and fully occupied, more than 2,000 people will be employed at the site. A range of roles would be created, including warehouse jobs as well as office-based and managerial positions.

“We are keen for the public for the public to view our proposals and provide people with the opportunity to ask any questions they may have in relation to the site.”

The public exhibition will run on Wednesday, March 25 from 2pm until 7pm and members of the design team will be available to answer questions.

The plans will also be available for the public to view on Friday, March 27 from 9am until 6pm and on Saturday, March 28 from 9am until 4pm.

Pontefrct and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper said: “We badly need more jobs round here as we’ve seen a lot lost, or people ending up on zero hours contracts.

“It’s really important that Caddick is prepared to invest and this is a vital opportunity for permanent jobs.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the details of the local plans.”

For more information on the scheme and to view the plans visit www.crosspointwakefield.co.uk