Waitrose has agreed with Gazeley to take a new 940,000 sq ft site at Magna Park in Milton Keynes.

The building will be developed at Gazeley's flagship UK logistics park and serve as Waitrose's new national distribution centre.

Pat McGillyCuddy, Gazeley CEO, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Waitrose to deliver their first ever new
national distribution centre. There is no better endorsement of our quality of service, delivery capability and product than repeat business with customers who see Gazeley as a trusted partner."

Construction started on site at the beginning of March and is expected to take 9 months, with completion due to be at the start of November 2014. Thereafter fit-out will commence with the building expected to become operational during 2015.

David Jones, Supply Chain Director at Waitrose, said: "The decision to open our first National Distribution Centre marks a pivotal moment in our supply chain history and reflects our phenomenal growth.

"Waitrose has outperformed the market for five years and we have ambitious plans to open 38 shops in 2014 and continue to expand our online platform."