Supermarket operator confirms opening for its largest UK distribution hub in Peterborough

The retailer has confirmed its 754,000 square feet distribution hub on a 34 acre site at Peterborough Gateway, in Alwalton Hill, will officially open on Saturday (August 1).

Lidl has said the new building will be its largest regional distribution hub in the UK.

The hub is expected to create about 500 jobs and the budget food store operator has been recruiting over the last few months to fill the vacant roles.

A ceremony to mark the opening is planned to be held soon.

Lidl is also expected to create a further 40 jobs at a new store planned for the former British Sugar site in Oundle Road, Peterborough.

Plan for the new regional distribution centre were first unveiled in 2017 but were then put on hold for a short time.

The new premises will manage the supply and distribution of food and non-food items to Lidl stores and will use the latest energy efficient and zero carbon techniques.

The construction of the centre came after bosses at Lidl decided they needed larger premises to replace a smaller facility at Magna Park, in Lutterworth, its 350 staff given the chance to transfer to Peterborough.