New M&S warehouse forms part of £340m investment

Marks & Spencer said the warehouse would help it double the size of its food business

Marks & Spencer will build a huge new warehouse as part of a "landmark" £340m investment in its food supply chain.

The company said the new national distribution centre at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), in Northamptonshire, would double the size of its food business.

M&S said construction of the warehouse, spanning 1.3 million sq ft (120,774 sq m) was expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with about 1,000 permanent roles created upon its completion - expected in 2029.

Mark Arnull, leader of Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council, said the investment was a "strong signal" of the strength of the county's logistics sector.

He said: "As the UK's largest inland port, DIRFT plays a critical role in supporting jobs, attracting business, and driving economic growth across the backbone of the UK.

"We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the long-term future of the site as it continues to evolve."

The warehouse will be delivered by Prologis and will be constructed from recycled building materials, a large solar panel rooftop and "advanced rainwater harvesting system", M&S said.

It will be fully electric and designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating - an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance.

Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food said: "We're transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition.

"This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time."