In one of the largest distribution deals ever seen in the South West and in what is likely to be one of the biggest logistics deals this year in the UK, retailer The Range has purchased a 55 acre site at Delta Properties’ logistics development at Central Park, Bristol. The Range plans to construct a single unit of over 1.2 million square feet at Central Park, as its new South of England distribution centre. The building will be completed by 2017 and bring 1,050 brand new jobs to the area.
The Range is one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK with over 115 stores currently and another 35 planned to open in 2016. This Distribution Centre will support the store growth and an increase in multi-channel operations. The new Distribution Centre is going to be a gigantic 1.2 million square feet with the potential to grow to 1.3 million, the equivalent of 15 Wembley stadiums.
Along with supporting the immediate business growth plans the new distribution centre will also support The Range’s European expansion plans. It will be one of the most high tech warehouses in the country and will comprise an investment of over £100 million by Plymouth based billionaire owner and founder of The Range, Chris Dawson.
Chris Dawson said ‘I did this deal on my favourite beach in Barbados, the same place I was when I bought all of the MFI stock year’s back, I think the Pina Colada’s at the hotel have something special in them as I always do some of my best negotiating after a couple. The Range has continued to buck the trend of UK retail and opened Superstores throughout the recession. This Distribution Centre is a big step in the expansion plans that I have for the business, it’s non-stop for us. Along with over 1,000 new jobs at the site this building will deliver long-term service contracts for local suppliers and inject millions of pounds into the Bristol economy every year whilst support local firms during the construction.’
Chris continued, ‘When the warehouse is up and fully operational it will act as a training hub for smaller DC’s around the country and I will also offer tours to Schools/Colleges and Universities as I am keen to give the future industry leaders a chance to see how a big UK operation works.’
Michael Shebson for Delta Properties adds, “We are delighted to welcome The Range to Central Park. Central Park has a unique offer for occupiers with motorway, on site direct rail freight service and adjacent sea connections at the expanding Port of Bristol. It offers fully serviced sites with an established planning permission.
“The Range has been seeking a solution along the M4 corridor for some time now – we had no hurdles to their requirements and thoroughly enjoyed working with them to achieve a fast result. We hope that the future addition of a motorway junction on the M49 will further attract like-minded distribution occupiers to one of the UK’s best distribution locations.”
The development of the new facility will be managed by Midlands-based Stoford on behalf of The Range.
Bilfinger GVA and Knight Frank represented Delta Properties. JLL acted for The Range.
