Whistl is to close depots in Leeds and Warrington and consolidate their work into a single ‘super hub’ in Bolton.

The 225,000ft² warehouse, expected to be operational in July, will increase the volume capacity of the combined operations by 33%.

The postal operator has signed a 10-year lease on the site on the Logistics North development in Bolton after its leases on the previous sites came to a close.

With close proximity to junction four of the M61, the Bolton hub has 31 loading positions, 20 dock levellers and parking spaces for 50 trailers.

Whistl said the move will improve operational efficiencies and provide opportunity for around 500 jobs.

The operator added that 370 employees based at the Warrington and Leeds sites have been offered the opportunity to move to the new Bolton hub.

Whistl chief executive Nick Wells said: “The new depot will enable us to provide an excellent working environment for our colleagues as well as enable us to continue providing high quality and efficient services to our customers.

“We look forward to working with Bolton Council on recruiting people to work at Whistl in the coming months.”