Applications are now open to logistics operators to run a Winchester Micro Logistics Hub – a landmark trial in sustainable last-mile delivery.
This is a chance to lead innovation, shape the future of urban logistics in the city, and help Winchester take a big step towards zero-emission deliveries.
Why this matters
The Solent Future Transport Zone is investing £28.8m in pioneering trials across the region to make transport cleaner, smarter, and more efficient. In Winchester, the focus is on sustainable logistics: reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and using greener ways to get goods where they need to be.
The Winchester hub, located at Friarsgate Car Park, Tanner Street, SO23 8AD is intended to act as a consolidation point for deliveries into the city. Created to support operators transition from vans to cargo bikes, containers, walking freight, and other last‑mile transport modes. The trial will evaluate and demonstrate the business case for sustainable last‑mile logistics in the city, while ensuring high‑quality service to local residents and businesses, with the goal of creating a hub that works in practice and can be scaled commercially beyond this pilot.
Who’s involved
- Solent Transport – the partnership behind the Future Transport Zone programme, working with local councils to deliver innovation.
- Winchester City Council (WCC) – providing the site for the hub and administering the trial.
- Decarbon Logistics Solutions (DLS) – a Volofleet company, has been appointed as consultant agent to lead on design, setup, and operator management, and is also leading on the sourcing of the operator.
- University of Portsmouth – providing research support to track outcomes and measure impact.
Your role
As the Micro Logistics Hub Operator, you will:
✅ Manage daily operations from the Winchester hub
✅ Set up your own delivery operations using cargo bikes and other low‑emission last‑mile solutions, with operators responsible for sourcing and managing their own volume
✅ Build strong relationships with local businesses and logistics partners
✅ Ensure reliable, high-quality delivery services throughout the 12-month trial period
✅ Help prove the hub’s commercial sustainability so it can continue beyond the trial
Key dates 🗓️
- 21st August 2025 – Applications open
- 5th September 2025 – Application deadline
- Late September 2025 – Shortlisting and interviews
- September 2025 – Operator appointed
- October 2025 – Hub trial launch 🎉
How to apply
Interested in operating from the hub? Here’s what to do:
- Express an interest to [email protected] and receive an Operator Sourcing pack.
- Submit your application by 5th September 2025.
- For more information, an optional one to one call can be arranged for 26th August 2025.
- Additionally, you can join the DLS team for a site visit on 28th August 2025.
Individual calls and site visits can be arranged by appointment. Please contact [email protected] to schedule.
Why apply?
- Be at the frontline of sustainable logistics innovation in the UK.
- Help shape future DfT policy on urban freight movement, and influence Winchester City Council and the wider Solent region.”
- Scale your business or expand operations with the potential for ongoing commercial activity in Winchester— a city well positioned to benefit from last‑mile solutions— and in the surrounding areas.
- Gain visibility and credibility by working alongside WCC, Solent Transport, and Decarbon Logistics Solutions.
🌱 Ready to deliver a greener future?
Apply to become the operator of Winchester’s first Micro Logistics Hub and help transform urban deliveries in the Solent area.
👉 Apply before 5 September 2025
