A main contractor is expected to be appointed by the end of this month for the ICON development which will be occupied by online beauty business The Hut Group (THG).

The development will provide a 168,000 sq ft warehouse and 104,000 sq ft of office space over four floors.

The Enquirer understands Bowmer & Kirkland, Buckingham Group Contracting and McLaren Construction are in the hunt for the job.

ICON is being developed by Icon Industrial – a strategic joint venture by Stoford Developments and investment firm TPG Real Estate.

Dan Gallagher, joint managing director of Stoford Developments, said: “We are delighted that THG has chosen ICON as the site for its new logistics and global content creation studio, it is fantastic news for Icon Manchester Airport and for the wider north west region.

“It is the fourth exciting development planned at the site, such has been the demand from potential occupiers keen to relocate to Icon Manchester Airport.

“The remaining land presents potential occupiers with an excellent opportunity to have a unit built to their specific requirements and continues the fulfillment of the Airport City masterplan, expanding and enhancing the logistical facilities on site.”

Matthew Moulding, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Hut Group, said: “This is an exciting time for THG. Following THG’s acquisition and integration in 2017 of Hangar 7, the UK’s leading content studio, ICON is our next step in expanding the Group’s content production and logistics capabilities dramatically.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “As a first phase investor in Airport City Manchester, THG’s arrival is a major vote of confidence in the city and begins to unlock the major potential of Airport City as a hub for employment.”

Icon Industrial acquired the site from Airport City Manchester joint venture in July 2017.

The build to suit logistics/warehouse development has a gross development value of around £100m and is already home to occupiers including Amazon and DHL.