A new project could set Albuquerque apart from other growing cities and make the metro a hub for distributing products.
“It’s good for Albuquerque. It’s good for Bernalillo County,” said Bill Robertson, the VP of Colliers International and one of the developers for ‘Sunport South.’
The project plans to transform 350 acres of dirt along University south of Rio Bravo into an ideal location for e-commerce and logistic companies and warehouses.
“Really a high-tech, first-class business center,” said Robertson.
They’re hoping to bring in big businesses by highlighting the site’s proximity to the Sunport, railroad, and Big-I.
“We have all the major logistics, road, rail, and land,” said Robertson.
The future hub borders the Mesa Del Sol housing development. At full capacity, Sunport South would employee 15,000 people.
When you combine that with the growing Mesa Del Sol community and new Netflix headquarters, there could be around 100,000 more people in this area.
Developers say that highlights the need for a new interchange on I-25.
“We’re looking at the possibility of putting a diamond interchange at Bobby Foster so we can serve all the facilities,” said Robertson.
Robertson says a development like this will set the metro apart.
“Most cities have their development around the airport already completed,” said Robertson.
Robertson says while some other cities’ airport developments feature some transportation options, no one is in the position Albuquerque is, where developers can craft empty land into a distributor’s dream.
“It makes us a big city. That’s what it makes us,” said Roberson.
Robertson says this is expected to bring in $900 million in economic growth over the next 30 years. The plans also call for open space and walking trails.
Robertson expects some businesses in Sunport South could be up and running by 2020.
The developers worked closely with Bernalillo County for years on this project; the county sent this statement to KRQE News 13:
We’re excited to see movement on new development, and new areas for economic growth in Bernalillo County. We look forward to providing new tools and locations for enhanced economic opportunities.
