DP World London Gateway recently celebrated the official opening of the first distribution center at what is set to become the largest logistics hub in the UK.

The first phase of the high tech unit features 180,000 square feet of distribution and logistics space and 25,000 square feet of office space with Phase 2 plans to expand the center to more than 387,000 square feet as demand increases.

With the expansion factored in the center would be one of the largest distribution and logistics hubs in Europe.

The new logistics hub is located adjacent to the UK’s newest deep-sea terminal with six deep-water berths with depth alongside of 51 feet, 24 container cranes, ready rail and highway access, and an annual capacity of 3.5 million TEUs.

The DP World London Gateway Logistics Park is managed by UK-based logistics services provider Import Services Limited (ISL) in partnership with DP World, and “combines new technology to bring previously unseen reliability and efficiency to supply chains by safely operating non-stop through adverse weather conditions.”

According to ISL Managing Director John Eynon, “Our next building, in joint venture with [U.S.-based] Prologis, is progressing well and we expect it to be ready in September.”

“In just two months of operations at the new London Gateway Logistics Center, the strong demand for our services means we are already approaching capacity of phase one and now seeking to accelerate development of additional warehousing space at London Gateway,” he said.

“Services, such as cross-docking, high-volume order processing, pre-retailing, and distribution are all in demand at this unique location, which combines the supply chain benefits gained from both port-centric and market-centric logistics,” Eynon added.