By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE NEWS reported by Logistics Matters last week saw the bookseller secure the former Gousto unit known as B295 in order for it to increase capacity, strengthen its supply chain and support continued expansion across its bookshops, online business and product ranges.

Sitting on a 14.7-acre site, the unit incorporates the highest sustainability standards, with PV panels covering approximately 10% of roof cover and scope to increase this to 100%, alongside an EPC rating of A (21) and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

Waterstones has been based in Burton for almost two decades and will relocate to the new facility, just a short distance from its existing distribution centre.

Waterstones intends to operate both its existing and new facilities in parallel during the transition period, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers and colleagues.

Waterstones Head of Property David Marsh said: “This investment marks an important milestone in Waterstones’ continued growth and reflects our long-term commitment to Burton, which has been at the heart of our distribution operations for almost two decades. The new facility will provide the additional capacity and flexibility we need to support the ongoing expansion of our bookshop network, online business and product ranges. By remaining in Burton and investing in a modern, purpose-designed distribution centre, we are creating a strong platform for future growth while enhancing our service capabilities for customers and colleagues alike.”

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) and Sworder Belcher Holt (SBH) advised on the letting.