Key Summary
- First Waitrose distribution centre in the south west to support growth in the region
- 360,000 sq ft site to be operational by end of 2026
- Estimated 2,225 tonnes of CO2 reduced per year through reduced transport
Supermarket Waitrose has revealed plans for a multi-million investment in a 360,000 sq. ft. distribution centre (DC) in the south west of England.
The site on Mountpark’s Bristol 360 logistics facility will be the supermarket’s first DC in the region. It will open towards the end of 2026, making deliveries to around 50 existing Waitrose stores, with the capacity to support new shops in the future.
Last year, Waitrose unveiled plans to inject £1bn over three years to open new convenience and supermarket stores throughout the UK.
In June, it announced plans to open its first new full-line supermarket in seven years at Brabazon in north Bristol, which is expected to open in 2027. Meanwhile, a new Little Waitrose convenience outlet will open in The Arches, Bristol, later this year.
Waitrose noted that the new south west DC will enable it to reduce annual mileage within its supply chain by an estimated 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.
“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,” said Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director.
“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 currently uses four regional distribution sites across the UK (Aylesford, Bracknell, Brinklow and Leyland) to fulfil 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.