Peel Ports Group new multi-million-pound investment in new warehousing for critical UK industries
07 October 2026
The UK's second-largest port operator will create more than one million square feet of additional Grade A warehousing capacity across its network, helping customers secure access to critical storage space at a time when demand continues to outpace supply.
According to a July report by Savills, there is increasing demand for larger warehousing across the country meaning the UK could be facing a major shortage, creating growing pressure on available capacity and increasing the importance of strategically positioned logistics infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, Peel Ports is investing to ensure customers have access to the storage facilities they need to maintain resilient, efficient and secure supply chains.
The phased programme will deliver one million square feet of new warehousing space, equivalent to approximately 92,000 square metres or around 13 football pitches.
The initial phase of investment will focus primarily on the Port of Liverpool, where a new 900,000 sq ft warehouse and upgrades to existing facilities will support growing customer operations across the North West and beyond. An additional 100,000 sq ft facility will also be developed at King George V Dock in Glasgow, strengthening Peel Ports' warehousing network across the UK.
The investments come as businesses increasingly review their supply chain strategies in response to changing global trade patterns, evolving customer requirements and the need for greater resilience. More organisations are seeking port-centric warehousing solutions that reduce transportation costs, improve operational efficiency and provide direct access to major import and export routes.
Demand is being driven by a number of strategically important sectors, including fertiliser, chemicals, defence, manufacturing and other bulk commodity markets.
Peel Ports has recorded a significant increase in fertiliser-related enquiries in recent months as importers and distributors seek reliable, accredited storage solutions to support agricultural supply chains and help maintain product availability across the UK. The warehousing expansion will strengthen the group's ability to support this vital market and contribute to wider food security and supply chain resilience.
The new facilities will also provide enhanced support for chemical customers requiring specialist storage capabilities and compliance standards, as well as defence-related supply chains that depend on secure, well-connected logistics infrastructure located close to key transport gateways.
David Huck, Chief Operating Officer Ports & Marine at Peel Ports Group, said:
Our customers are increasingly looking for high-quality storage space located close to our network of ports, and demand continues to grow across a number of critical industries.
While economic conditions remain challenging, the strength of demand, particularly in Liverpool and across the wider North of England and West Coast of Scotland, gives us confidence to make this significant investment.
Having warehousing located close to the quayside enables customers to streamline operations, reduce transport movements, improve speed to market and enhance supply chain resilience. In a world where every pound, every day and every decision matters, that creates a significant competitive advantage.
Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, Keir Mather said:
Ports are the backbone of the UK economy, ensuring goods and people flow freely in and out of the country. This multi-million pound investment in new warehousing at Liverpool and Glasgow will keep our proud maritime cities competitive, boost local growth and support new, skilled jobs.
More widely, we're backing UK maritime with £448 million to drive innovation and deliver the clean fuels and technologies of the future – revitalising our coastal communities, reducing emissions and ensuring the UK's shipbuilding heritage continues to thrive.
The new facilities will further enhance Peel Ports' ability to provide integrated port-centric logistics solutions, combining warehousing, shipping, rail and road connectivity to support customers throughout the UK and international supply chains.
Further details of the developments will be announced as the projects progress towards completion.