The Range’s decision to locate their southern regional distribution centre at a site in Avonmouth is a further vote of confidence in Bristol and will encourage other national retailers to build similar facilities in the area, says property advisors JLL.
JLL, which has an office in Bristol, advised The Range in their purchase, advising on the site options and handling negotiations with the vendor of the selected site, Delta Properties.
The 55-acre site is at Central Park, Western Approach within the Avonmouth & Severnside Enterprise Area and close to the location of the planned new M49 Junction.
Paul Baker, director at JLL, said: “The reputation of this area as a first class distribution location has been building year on year, and The Range’s decision to build what will be the largest ever distribution centre in the South West of England is testament to that. The planned new Junction on the M49 will mean transport connections will improve even further, which will make the area even more attractive to investors and occupiers.
“Decisions by rapidly growing retailers like The Range and Lidl UK, who recently announced the acquisition of a site in Exeter for a new regional distribution centre, have confirmed the South West as a major distribution location of national significance. It is no longer just about the ‘Golden Triangle’ in the Midlands.
“It’s also great news for the local job market – the centre itself will create over 1,000 jobs. Often warehousing is seen as the poor relation with many local authorities focusing their policies on supporting manufacturing at the expense of distribution but, with job numbers like these, this is a sector that cannot be ignored, not least because the continued success of the retail sector is partly dependent on it.
“The Range has ambitious growth plans to increase its stores across the South West and to expand its online offer and this new centre will be crucial in making that happen. It will also act as a training hub for other smaller distribution centres around the UK.”
