THE first phase of Bolton’s new employment hub has been completed.

Almost 164,000 sq ft of business space has been built at Bolton’s Logistics North hub, where companies such as Amazon and Aldi have taken up residence.

This is just the first phase of the plan, named Multiply, to bring more commercial premises to the North West.

Over the next 18 months, the rest of the three-phase scheme will be realised, with ten units totalling approximately 564,000 sq ft, across 31.2 acres.

When the site in Over Hulton is finished it is expected there will be 5,000 additional jobs created.

Cllr Linda Thomas, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: “I am delighted that Logistics North will continue to create more jobs for our residents.

“Logistics North is the largest industrial development in the North West and we know that demand for units there is high. I am sure high-quality companies will continue to be attracted to the development and come to Bolton, which will bring further jobs to the borough.

“One of the site’s unique points is the country park that is being created alongside it. Work on it is progressing well and residents are getting the country park they were promised — it is an important part of the regeneration of the site.”

More than 1,500 people are currently employed at the site by companies including Aldi, Whistl, Greene King, Costa and Komatsu.

Next year, Amazon will open its newest distribution base at the Over Hulton site and the global online retailer is already recruiting.

In 2013, site owner, Harworth Group, received planning permission for the development, which is a joint venture with the Lancashire County Pension Fund.

Ian Ball, executive director of income generation at Harworth Group, said: “This marks an excellent start to the relationship between ourselves, the Lancashire County Pension Fund and Knight Frank Investment Management.

“I am delighted that we have delivered these units on time to bring further jobs to Bolton and the region.

“New high-quality commercial development remains at an absolute premium across the North of England and I am confident that we will be able to swiftly secure occupiers for the three new units.”

John Styles, partner at Knight Frank Investment Management LLP, added: “We are pleased that all the new Multiply units have been delivered on-time and have been extremely impressed by how Logistics North has developed in 2017.

“Our goal is to quickly attract tenants into these units. and with significant pent-up demand for new space still existing in the region, We are sure that Multiply can help meet this business need.”