Waitrose has invested in a huge new distribution centre in Bristol - its first in the region - in a bid to "better serve customers in the South West".
The 360,000sq ft logistics hub at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 in Avonmouth will open towards the end of 2026, making deliveries to around 50 of the supermarket’s existing shops, with the capacity to support new stores.
The multimillion-pound investment comes a month after the retailer confirmed it was building a new store as part of the Brabazon development in north Bristol, which is expected to open in 2027. Later this year, Waitrose is also opening a new convenience store in The Arches, Bristol.
Waitrose estimates its new logistics site will enable it to reduce annual mileage within its supply chain by 2,225 tonnes of CO2 per year, helping it meet its target of being net zero carbon by 2035 and fossil fuel free by 2030.
Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s supply chain director, said: “This multi-million pound investment is an important step in modernising our supply chain and setting us up to build the capacity needed for our growth plans.
"It will enable us to better serve our customers in the region, more efficiently supply our existing shops and reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions. The modern and sustainable features of Mountpark’s Bristol 360 make it an excellent fit for our business."
Waitrose will now select a logistics supplier to run the site on its behalf and work with them to equip the site.
Bart Holt-Smith, director of capital markets and development for Mountpark, added: “Waitrose’s commitment to Mountpark Bristol 360 is a strong endorsement of our ability to meet the demands of modern logistics from commercial performance to environmental responsibility.
"We’re proud to be working with a brand of Waitrose’s calibre and delighted that our shared commitment to sustainability and quality aligns so closely. We look forward to welcoming this iconic British retailer and supporting its continued success in the region.”
Waitrose currently uses four regional distribution sites across the Ƶ - Aylesford, Bracknell, Brinklow and Leyland - to fulfill shop orders and three national distribution centres in Milton Keynes, Greenford in London, and Reading.
It also has two fulfilment centres in Greater London - Greenford and Coulsdon - from where it delivers online customer orders purchased through Waitrose.com.
