PLANS to turn a Southampton site into a facility for lorry drivers with restaurants and toilets have been unveiled.
DP World is leasing a site next to its container terminal on Western Avenue to develop state-of-the-art facilities for drivers.
Its £15 million plans include building a restaurant, showers, toilets, and 24-hour security.
The firm is also looking to increase the size of the storage area used for containers moved by road and rail.
DP World is developing the facility to build on the £40m that it has invested in its operations at Southampton since 2021.
The site was previously used for car storage and has been leased from ABP.
It is expected to be fully operational this year.
READ MORE: Southampton container terminal set for £40m investment
Ernst Schulze, UK chief executive at DP World, said: "We are delighted to announce this major step forward in the facilities we provide for drivers at Southampton, which will help to ensure that they are fit and rested to keep the supply chain moving.
"The overnight lorry park will provide access to the amenities they need to do their jobs safely and well.
"The new land will also free up valuable storage space, allowing us to expand our rail interconnectivity even further."
"Our investment in rail at both Southampton and London Gateway eases congestion on the roads, with 300,000 trucks taken off UK roads each year.
"Last year, we launched a new intermodal train service connecting our logistics hubs at London Gateway and Southampton, as we continue to build our end-to-end capability."
READ MORE: Success of freeport scheme will be a 'game changer for Southampton'
Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton regional director, added: "As the UK’s leading export port, Southampton plays a key role in keeping Britain trading.
"This new facility will significantly improve driver welfare as well as reduce the number of vehicles having to park up for rest periods elsewhere in the local area."
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