Lidl UK’s decision to locate a major regional distribution centre at a site near Exeter Airport is a huge vote of confidence in the area and will prompt other national retailers to follow in its footsteps, says property advisors JLL.
JLL has an office in Exeter and advised Lidl UK in their purchase, advising on the site options and handling negotiations with the vendor of the selected site, Sainsbury’s.
Tim Western, director at JLL, said: “There has been clever investment into this part of East Devon by the public sector and other development partners, including improvements to Junction 29, which has meant transport connections have been vastly improved. It has made this area much more attractive to investors and Lidl’s decision to move here is testament to that.
“This is a major step towards transforming this area into a commerce hub and sub-regional distribution location and we expect other national players to follow in Lidl’s footsteps.
“It’s also great news for the local job market – the centre itself will create up to 500 jobs.
“Lidl UK has an ambitious growth plan to increase its stores across the South West and this centre will be crucial in making that happen.”
