Gallan Group and Stoford Developments have submitted a detailed planning application to build a £35 million regional distribution centre in Avonmouth, Bristol, pre let on a 20 year lease to The Co-operative Group.

The application was submitted by the Birmingham-based developers. They hope to secure approval in March this year to build the 435,780 sq ft (GIA) facility on a 32.95 acre site, acquired from The Crown Estate Commissioners, which is currently occupied by Honda Motor Europe Limited.

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It will serve more than 400 Co-operative food stores in Bristol, the South West and South Wales, as part of The Co-operative’s reorganisation of its UK logistics following the acquisition of Somerfield in 2009, and will employ in excess of 1,000 people.

Configured to allow 24/7 use, the cross-docked style warehouse is expected to be operational in early 2012.

The deal, described by Stoford director Dan Gallagher as "particularly innovative", took 12 months to secure and involved detailed negotiations with the occupier, freeholder and current tenant.

The Avonmouth development is Stoford's second major project in Bristol following the site purchase of Redland House in 2010 creating a 60,000 sq ft office development for Simply Health.

(CD/GK)