Tesco has received planning consent for a 900,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Whitely, South Reading, site of the former Heineken Brewery.
Both Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils’ planning committees approved the scheme as the site straddles both boroughs.
The aim is to open the warehouse by Christmas 2012. As well as the ambient food distribution centre, the proposals include a vehicle maintenance unit and a number of enhancements to the landscape around the site.
James Wiggam of Tesco said: “We are proud to be able to bring jobs and investment to Reading. We have worked closely with the local community and council to develop these proposals and have been overwhelmed by the positive response to them. We’re particularly honoured that so many people have already shown an interest in the jobs and look forward to working with Job Centre plus to deliver these jobs to local people.”
It is estimated that the site will create 1,000 jobs in the area. Tesco has received more than 800 expressions of interest for jobs at the site, which range from managerial staff, drivers, mechanics, warehouse operatives and maintenance staff. The construction phase of the project would also provide more than 150 jobs.
The site overlooks Junction 11 of the M4 and A33 and will be built to BREAM Excellent standards and will emit 34 per cent less CO2 than the levels imposed by 2010 building regulations.
