UK | Waitrose has announced a multi-million investment in a 360,000sq ft distribution centre at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 to better serve customers in the southwest of England.
The site, which will be the retailer’s first distribution centre in the region, is expected to open towards the end of 2026, enabling deliveries to approximately 50 of the supermarket’s existing shops, with the capacity to support new locations.
Waitrose is developing plans to open new convenience and full-line stores across the UK.
Last month, the retailer announced that a shop will be built at Brabazon in north Bristol, expected to open in 2027. Additionally, a new convenience store is set to open later this year in The Arches, Bristol.
Mountpark’s Bristol 360 is a modern logistics site featuring numerous energy-efficient and sustainable elements, including over 1,200 solar panels.
Waitrose estimates that the south-west site will enable it to reduce annual mileage within its supply chain by 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 serve our customers in the region better, supply our existing shops more efficiently, 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’s commitment to Mountpark Bristol 360 is a strong endorsement of our ability to meet the demands of modern logistics from commercial performance to environmental responsibility,” said Bart Holt-Smith, Director, Capital Markets and Development for Mountpark.
“We’re proud to be working with a brand of Waitrose’s calibre and delighted that our shared commitment to sustainability and quality aligns so closely. We look forward to welcoming this iconic British retailer and supporting its continued success in the region.”
Waitrose will now select a logistics supplier to manage the site on their behalf and work with them to equip the site as a modern warehouse that meets the retailer’s current and future needs.
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.
Bristol 360 is part of Mountpark’s expanding UK portfolio of Grade A logistics developments and is located at Central Park, Avonmouth, one of the southwest’s most strategically significant distribution hubs.
The forthcoming M49 Junction will further enhance connectivity, providing Bristol 360 with improved access to the UK’s motorway and freight networks, and reinforcing its long-term value as a distribution base.
The facility has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and holds an EPC A+ certification. Designed with sustainability and employee well-being in mind, Bristol 360 features include a roof terrace, landscaped gardens, and extensive ribbon glazing to maximise natural light in the warehouse marshalling areas.
