Two Northern Ireland sites have been shortlisted for Heathrow's offsite construction centres.

They will compete with 16 other locations to become an offsite hub to help deliver the airport's expansion plans.

A long list of 65 sites was whittled down following a nationwide tour last year and a pre-qualified questionnaire.

The NI sites include GRAHAM's Michelin Site in Silverwood Business Park, Co Antrim, and MJM Marine's Ballykelly site in Co L'Derry.

Some of the other sites still in the running include Britain's largest steelworks firm, Scotland's largest airport and one of the main ports in Wales.

Each of the shortlisted sites have showcased a strong base of local support, their area's thriving supply chain, convenient connectivity links and the potential to tap into a skilled workforce.

The 18 shortlisted sites will have the opportunity this autumn to pitch to the airport's bosses for their chance to become one of the final four construction centres, to be announced early next year, ahead of work starting in 2021.  

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The final four sites will become offsite construction centres that will help to deliver Britain's new runway, bringing jobs and economic opportunities. This innovative approach will also help to make the project more affordable and sustainable- by transporting assembled components in consolidated loads.

Speaking at the BCC annual conference Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow's Executive Director for Expansion said: "Our expansion plans are progressing apace and continue to be refined thanks to feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. Heathrow is as committed as ever to creating a plan that delivers for every corner of the UK. Logistics hubs are key to achieving that. This innovative approach will be more cost effective, efficient and sustainable, helping to unlock much needed capacity quickly and responsibly.

"Logistics hubs are also integral to harnessing the skills the UK needs post-Brexit. We are working with other major infrastructure projects to see if they might also benefit from these hubs, creating a bright, new future for the UK's construction sector. One in which we're better utilising new technology and offsite techniques to spread the benefits of major projects like expansion nationwide."

Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), added: "A strong skills base and high-performing infrastructure network are vital to securing the UK's economic future in the long-term. We are pleased that Heathrow is consulting with so many business communities from the Chamber of Commerce Network to ensure that its expansion plans can benefit the whole of the country.

"We look forward to hearing more of these plans from Heathrow at the BCC Annual Conference."

A full list of the shortlist and further information is available on the Heathrow website.

(CM/JG)