The region recently saw a significant £72 million US investment from Tulchan and Newlands Developments, which will create 355,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space at Orchard Park, Eurocentral. This deal, the largest of its kind in Scotland for 30 years, marks a successful year for North Lanarkshire as an investment destination.
With 58% of all marketable land in the Glasgow City Region and one of the lowest industrial property vacancy rates in Scotland, North Lanarkshire's market strength is evident. The area boasts approximately 30 million sq ft of industrial stock, with an availability rate of just 3.25%, reportedly below the Glasgow City Region average of 4.3%.
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of the Council, highlighted the strategic location within Scotland’s ‘golden triangle’ (M8, M74, A725) as a key contributor to economic growth, particularly in the industrial and logistics sector. He noted the combination of a large industrial land concentration and exceptionally low premise availability demonstrates strong confidence in North Lanarkshire as a business location.
The growth in logistics and transport is creating significant opportunities for jobs and skills development. A recent report from Skills Development Scotland estimates that 10,500 people will be employed in the sector in Lanarkshire between 2028 and 2035. The transport and storage sector, combined with wholesale, retail, and repair, currently comprises 2,230 businesses in North Lanarkshire, employing 30,600 people and generating £6.819 billion annually.
Councillor Logue added that these developments, coinciding with Lanarkshire Business Month, underscore future opportunities and the importance of equipping local people with necessary skills. The council's employability services, in partnership with organisations like Routes to Work, are establishing pathways into the sector.
In the past year, the council has assisted 117 individuals into transport and logistics roles, including warehousing and driving. Currently, 80 young people aged 16-24 registered with Routes to Work aspire to work in this sector.
Significant investment activity at Eurocentral over the past year includes: Manse LLP & J Smart & Co's Eurocentral Gateway development (80,565 sq ft and 121,264 sq ft units, construction starting Autumn 2026); Wemyss and Westerwood Properties' Shawhead Point in Coatbridge (105,000 sq ft development, units available now); Knight Property Group's acquisition and refurbishment of the Big Blue Shed in Bellshill (143,700 sq ft plus mezzanine); Dell Technologies moving to the AI Innovation Park at Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill (38,000 sq ft of office space); and Fusion Assets' Ravenscraig Enterprise Park Phase 1 in Motherwell (£4.1m project delivering 29,200 sq ft of industrial floorspace, completion scheduled for Oct 2026).
