The developer behind plans for new warehouses at Junction 7 of the M3 has struck a training partnership with a Basingstoke college.

Basingstoke College of Technology has agreed to provide training for residents to ensure they have the right skills for the estimated 1,447 new jobs that the Basingstoke Gateway development would bring.

Newlands, who have submitted two planning applications for the four warehouse-project at Oakdown Farm, say that 2,025 more indirect jobs would result from their £74 million injection into the borough's economy.

The range of jobs resulting directly from the development would include high-skilled technical and managerial roles, plus entry-level and unskilled jobs.

BCoT Principal, Anthony Bravo, said: “This new development presents a fantastic opportunity for the Basingstoke community with thousands of different jobs created at a difficult time in the jobs market.

“We work closely with local employers in a range of sectors and businesses who are suffering from the effects of Covid-19, while also seeing a rise in learners looking to retrain and gain new skills for a career change following redundancy.

“We are well-placed to deliver the training needed to support this project and are looking forward to building a solid partnership with the Gateway developers to ensure our learners are equipped to take full advantage of these opportunities.”

Newlands Property Development’s development director, John Barker, said: “By working together with Basingstoke College of Technology we can ensure local people have the right skills to fill the many jobs our development would create.

"While some sectors are holding up, we have seen other sectors decimated locally, notably in retail with wholesale redundancies following the closure of Debenhams, Zara, Laura Ashley, Mothercare…the list goes on.

“The skills people have learnt in these roles can be easily transferred to other sectors, with the right skills training. This is exactly what we are seeking to do by working in partnership with the college.

“The percentage of shopping done online has doubled in the past 12 months - and increased fivefold in the past decade. How we shop has changed rapidly.

“While there have been significant job losses, the distribution sector can absorb some of that pain. So, the timing is critical. For many local people, this partnership with the college could be a real economic lifeline.

“And we’re talking about a wide range of jobs and opportunities for career progression. The

opportunities in logistics and distribution have broadened dramatically in recent years, fuelled by rapid advances in operations and new technology.

“As well as packing, driving and stock handling roles the sector now requires a high level of skills in mechanical and electrical engineering, software programming, logistics planning, finance, sales and marketing, providing both higher value jobs alongside more entry level positions.

“But it is vital local people have the right skills to be able to secure the jobs, so we are very pleased to have formed a partnership with the college.”

Plans for the project are set to be decided in the coming weeks.