Marks & Spencer today confirmed it is to open a £200m megashed at DP World’s London Gateway port, as tipped by Estates Gazette.
News of the 900,000 sq ft shed was unveiled alongside a visit by prime minister David Cameron today to visit DP World’s new deep-water container port with a 9m sq ft logistics park alongside.
As part of its £200m investment at DP World’s London Gateway, M&S will create around 700 jobs; there will also be hundreds of additional workers employed in the construction phase.
M&S chief executive Marc Bolland said: “London Gateway will become our third large distribution centre in the UK as we transform our logistics operations into a modern and agile supply chain, fit for the future of M&S.
“As we become an international, multichannel retailer, London Gateway will help us to become more efficient by cutting costs and locating our supply chain closer to our stores and our international markets.
“It will also help us deliver against our plan A objectives by removing road miles and emissions from our network.”
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World, said: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome the prime minister and Marc Bolland to DP World London Gateway.
“We are proud to be able to contribute to the UK economy by providing a more efficient and more reliable global supply chain infrastructure, to the benefit of British business and British consumers.
“This is a great place and a great time to be talking about global trade.”
DP World chief executive Mohammed Sharaf said: “Marks & Spencer is a world-renowned and trusted brand that is today setting the pace for other UK businesses, leading the way in taking advantage of the benefits of new infrastructure and an outstanding location.
“We are very pleased to welcome them as the first tenant at our London Gateway Logistics Park.”
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
