Waitrose invests in first south west distribution centre
A new shop is also due to open at Brabazon in north Bristol in 2027, and a convenience store will open later this year at The Arches in the city
Waitrose has announced a multi-million investment in a 360,000sq ft distribution centre in Bristol to support its expansion and improve deliveries to customers in the south west of England.
The facility at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 site will be the retailer’s first in the region. Due to open in late 2026, it will serve around 50 existing Waitrose shops and provide capacity for further growth.
The investment is part of wider plans to grow the supermarket’s presence across the UK, including new convenience and full-line stores. A new shop is due to open at Brabazon in north Bristol in 2027, and a convenience store will open later this year at The Arches in the city.
Mountpark’s Bristol 360 site includes over 1,200 solar panels and other energy-efficient features. Waitrose said the new centre is expected to cut supply chain emissions by 2,225 tonnes of CO2 each year, supporting its targets to be fossil fuel free by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2035.
Supply chain director Alison Maffin said: “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.
“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.”
Mountpark’s director of capital markets and development Bart Holt-Smith added: “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.
“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.”
Waitrose will appoint a logistics supplier to operate the site and support its development as a modern warehouse.
The retailer currently operates four regional distribution sites in Aylesford, Bracknell, Brinklow and Leyland, and three national distribution centres in Milton Keynes, Greenford in London, and Reading. It also has two online fulfilment centres in Greater London, at Greenford and Coulsdon.
Bristol 360, part of Mountpark’s growing UK portfolio, is located at Central Park in Avonmouth. The forthcoming M49 junction is expected to further strengthen the site’s access to the motorway and freight network.
The building is rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and holds an EPC A+ certification. Features include landscaped gardens, a roof terrace and extensive glazing to increase natural light in warehouse areas.
