Building work starts on 'landmark' M&S warehouse

Construction work has begun on a "landmark" Marks & Spencer warehouse as part of its £340m investment in its food supply chain.

The new automated national distribution centre at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), in Northamptonshire, is set to open in 2029.

The company said it was being built to "modernise and future‑proof" part of its business and create 1,000 permanent jobs.

Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Daventry, said it showed "confidence in the local people and businesses".

When finished, the warehouse is set to span 1.3 million sq ft (120,774 sq m) and serve 200 stores.

Kevin Bennett, from M&S, said: "This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time."

He said it would have the "latest proven automation" so it would be "future-proof".

Andrew said: "This area has for a long time been at the heart of the UK's logistics network and this investment shows confidence in the local people and businesses."

It will be built with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.

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