Ministry of Defence builds storage depot at Longtown in Cumbria

The new MoD distribution centre in Longtown will open in October 2024

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) storage facility is being built near the England-Scotland border, according to the government.

The large £86m depot will open in Longtown, Cumbria, in October 2024 and will support 450 jobs.

An MoD spokesperson said would it be a "key asset" in supporting all three branches of the military.

It is being built as part of an overhaul of the MoD's storage sites, many of which date from World War Two.

The spokesman said initial estimates suggest 300 jobs would be "supported" in the North of England and 150 in Scotland.

'Hugely important'

The site in the Longtown estate will be 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres) and will store equipment including engines and other large spare parts.

The Penrith and Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, said it was a "monumental project".

The Conservative said: "This investment will contribute massively to the prosperity and growth of our border communities [as well as strengthening our national defence infrastructure].

"I look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this project, fostering economic development and job opportunities."

The Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said the new MoD distribution centre would be a "hugely important strategic facility".