House of Fraser to open huge distribution warehouse in Peterborough creating up to 1,000 jobs

Image shows how the House of Fraser distribution hub should appear when completed.

The department store group has unveiled plans for a 750,000 sq ft warehouse and office complex on the 240 acre Gateway Peterborough distribution park at Great Haddon.

The move has been driven by the success of the retailer’s ecommerce business, which has seen online sales grow by more than 26 per cent in 12 months to the end of January 30 this year.

Plans have been submitted to Peterborough City Council with the development including about 38,000 sq ft of office space, 271 HGV parking spaces plus spaces for 620 cars and 260 cycles.

Bosses say the state-of-the-art distribution hub will create 500 to 1,000 jobs and will operate 24 hours a day seven days a week.”

The hub is expected to go into operation in a minimum of two years’ time.

Nigel Oddy, chief executive of House of Fraser, said: “We have seen phenomenal growth of our ecommerce business. As a result of this growth, we need additional warehouse capacity to meet future supply chain needs and to meet demand for products from our customers.

“After an extensive site search for an additional facility across the Midlands, we have submitted a planning application to develop a site in the Gateway Peterborough development.”

Councillor John Holdich, council leader, said: “This is great news for Peterborough’s economy and a huge vote of confidence in our city.

“In the past three years Peterborough businesses have added almost 7,000 jobs to our economy and this commitment by one of the best known high street names is fantastic.”

Steve Bowyer, chief executive of the city’s economic development company, Opportunity Peterborough, said: “It is tremendous that House of Fraser is making this commitment to invest in Peterborough.”

“We are a growing city with a great workforce and I am sure the move will prove a success for both House of Fraser and the city.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the House of Fraser team in establishing themselves in Peterborough.”

Ray Kavanagh, executive director of commercial and logistics for House of Fraser, said: “Peterborough is an established distribution and manufacturing location and is ideally situated for our needs.”