Bookseller Waterstones has secured a new 300,000 sq ft distribution centre in Staffordshire as part of its long-term growth plans.
The retailer has agreed a deal for the new facility at Indurent Park Burton, where it will relocate from its existing distribution centre on the Centrum 100 business park after almost 20 years in the town.
The move is expected to increase capacity, strengthen Waterstones’ supply chain and support the continued expansion of its bookshop network, online business and product ranges.
The deal was completed by Lambert Smith Hampton and Sworder Belcher Holt, working with industrial and logistics developer Indurent.
Known as B295, the new unit occupies a 14.7-acre site at Indurent Park Burton and has been designed for manufacturing, storage and distribution uses. Rooftop solar panels cover around 10 per cent of the roof, with the potential to expand this to full coverage.
David Marsh, Head of Property at Waterstones, 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.”
Richard Meering, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We are delighted to have completed this very noteworthy transaction which allows Waterstones to continue their growth plans in Burton and provides a significant further endorsement to Indurent Park Burton as a leading distribution and industrial park within the region on the popular A38 corridor.”
George Goldsmith, Senior Asset Manager at Indurent, added: “Waterstones’ decision to invest in a new distribution centre at Indurent Park Burton reflects the continued demand from established occupiers for high-quality, strategically located logistics space. Businesses are increasingly looking for facilities that can support long-term growth while offering the connectivity and flexibility needed to future-proof their operations.”
Waterstones will operate both its existing and new Burton facilities in parallel during the transition period to ensure uninterrupted service for customers and colleagues.
