Major new DC for Co-op by 2022

DB Symmetry agreed a new 20-year lease at the end of last year with the food retailer. Tritax Big Box REIT is funding the development.

The new facility will create up to 1,200 new employment opportunities and an investment value of over £90 million. The Co-op has confirmed it will be investing over £30 million on the fit out of the frozen, chilled and ambient depot which is expected to be fully operational by the beginning of 2022.

Symmetry Park is 29 miles north of the M25.

Andy Perry, supply chain & logistics director, Co-op, said: “The infrastructure and site selection will deliver greater agility, scale and efficiency – improving service and availability at existing stores while building capacity to support our store investment programme and ambitions for continued growth. The new site will provide greater scale while future-proofing our operations. The move will reduce road miles and overall supply chain costs while supporting our new and existing stores in the South and South East of England by having more of our products closer to our members and customers and the communities in which they live and work.”