Waitrose is to open a distribution centre for its grocery operation at Milton Keynes and has acquired the 318,000 sq ft Celestia building at Snelshall West.
The retailer will continue to occupy its nearby Brinklow site, which will now concentrate on fresh foods.
The new site will be operated as part of the Brinklow complex by Kuehne and Nagel.
David Jones, Waitrose supply chain director, said: “This new site means that our supply chain will be well placed to cope with our rapid expansion over the next few years.
“We will be extending our capacity for fresh foods providing a platform for us to grow this area of our business in the future.”
Waitrose has taken a five-year lease at a rental rising to £5.95 per sq ft. Colliers International acted for Waitrose. Colliers director Steven Mitchell: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Waitrose on acquiring its new distribution centre site in Milton Keynes, to further support our client’s expansion plans.”
Garbe, which owns the site, was represented by DTZ and Bidwells.
