A DELEGATION from Heathrow Airport is visiting sites in South Gloucestershire and Bristol today, as part of a nationwide search for the site of logistics hubs which would support the potential new third runway.

The visitors will be joined by Tim Bowles, Mayor of the West of England and Jack Lopresti MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke as they make a tour of potential locations within the West of England Combined Authority.

The West of England put in a bid to host a logistics hub to help deliver Heathrow Airport’s expansion last year, and two sites have been longlisted: Horizon 38, Filton Enterprise Area and Crowley Way, Avonmouth.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting the team from Heathrow and explaining to them why the West of England is the right place for a new hub, which would lead to hundreds of new jobs.

“We have the right connections, skills and expertise, as well as a strong track record of successfully delivering supply chains for a number of major UK infrastructure projects, including playing a key role in high profile programmes including Hinkley and Crossrail.

"The two sites being considered are well-connected by road and freight links, as well as Bristol Port.

“Our region is at the forefront of innovation, with access to a strong tech-based supply chain and we have the ambition and the skills to make an invaluable contribution to this development.”

Matthew Riddle, leader of South Gloucestershire Council said: “I am delighted that Heathrow Airport are considering the West of England and particularly that they are coming to visit the Horizon 38 site.

“The site lies in the heart of the Filton Enterprise Area which is already a nerve-centre for the aerospace sector and offers brand new logistics space with great connectivity.”

Heathrow is looking for four logistics hubs in the UK to pre-assemble components for the airport’s planned expansion.

The components would then be delivered to site, making the £16bn project more affordable and spreading investment outside the South East.

From an initial 121 applications, 65 potential sites have been longlisted.

The delegation will visit all locations in the first half of 2018, assessing their suitability before putting successful bids through to the next round.

Heathrow Airport has said its expansion plan could deliver up to £13bn in economic benefits and 12,300 jobs across the South West.