The online retailer, Amazon could open a logistics site at Teesside Airport as talks between the retailer and bosses have been taking place.
The huge retailer, which has three fulfilment centers in the region, could open a distribution centre to help receive and send parcels from other countries, creating hundreds of jobs.
Sources close to both Amazon and the airport said talks between the two parties had begun last month with a potential site to be built on the new Southside development.
Amazon has been approached for comment, while Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has confirmed discussions are taking place with a major household name.
Last night, Mr Houchen said work to get 270 acres of land ready for commercial development including a new business park was underway.
Planning consent has already been approved for almost two million square feet of logistics, distribution and industrial buildings to be built on the disused land.
Meanwhile, a new access road is being constructed from the southside part of the airport, which will eventually link the business park directly with the A67.
He said: “Our airport is a fantastic asset and not only for people looking to get away for some sun or businesses forging new connections across the world.
“It’s more than just a terminal building and a runway – it is well connected, with hundreds of acres of land ready for commercial development and, as part of the Teesside Freeport, the opportunities are endless.”
Mr Houchen confirmed talks were taking place with a number of companies – including a global household name – as he set out the details of the new development.
He said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want Teesside Airport to be the number one centre for cargo and freight in the north of England, this will not happen overnight, but we have the vision and drive to make it a reality.
“As part of this plan we will soon be launching our new freight handling facility.
“As you would expect, we’re pulling out all the stops to bring investment and jobs to the airport site and I can confirm we are in discussions with a global household name who is looking to make a significant investment on the airport site to expand their freight operations in the region, something that will create thousands of good-quality well-paid jobs for local workers across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
An Amazon logistics site at Teesside Airport would be situated less than six miles from its Fulfilment Centre in Darlington and less than 20 miles from its Fulfilment Centre in Bowburn, near Durham.
Meanwhile, another Fulfilment Centre is rumored to be opening in Wynyard near Stockton next year, less than twelve miles from Teesside Airport.
Just two months ago, Amazon opened its third in the region with more than 1,300 permanent jobs and a further 1,000 seasonal jobs created in Gateshead.
At the time of its opening, it did not confirm or deny whether there were plans for further sites in the region but hinted that the business continued to “expand,” as it said it recognised the talent in the region.
Speaking as the Gateshead site opened, Jonathan Walker, director of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce welcomed Amazon’s investment in the region so far.
He said: “This announcement is a further endorsement of the region’s status as a great place in which to do business and builds on the strong commitment Amazon has already made to the North East.
“After such a difficult economic period we’re really pleased to see jobs being created that will provide opportunities to people in Gateshead and beyond.”
