Co-op invests in SW distribution hub

THE Co-operative Group is set to boost its regional logistics structure with a move to a £35m distribution centre in the South West.

The Manchester-based mutual – the country’s fifth-largest food retailer – says the new 435,780 sq ft facility in Bristol will serve more than 400 shops in the region and in South Wales. It will employ around 1,000 people.

A 32-acre site has been acquired from Crown Estate for the development, which is part of the Co-op’s reorganisation of its UK logistics following the acquisition of Somerfield in 2008.

It will be built by Birmingham-based property developers Stoford and the Gallan Group.

A detailed planning application will be submitted later this year and warehouse is expected to be operational in early 2012.

Mark Leonard, The Co-operative Group’s regional head of logistics, said: “The Bristol facility is an important element in the distribution spine that we are creating to service our retail portfolio in the Southern region and will come on stream 12 months after our scheme in Andover, which is currently under construction.”