A MAJOR international delivery firm is to take up new residency in a giant Hampshire warehouse.

DHL is set to move into a 53,940 sq ft depot at Stoke Park in Eastleigh after experiencing “significant increase” in demand for its e-commerce and parcel distribution services.

The move will see an increase in its floor space by 50 per cent when it relocates from its two existing sites in Hedge End later this year.

The company has been on the lookout for a suitable property for over two years and the Tower Lane warehouse in Stoke Park was chosen due to its modern design and facilities which include air conditioned offices, secure yard space and good access to the M3 and M27.

Acting on behalf of F&C Reit Asset Management, property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton secured a ten-year lease with DHL International at £7 per sq ft.

Adrian Whitfield, director in LSH’s South Coast Industrial & Logistics Agency team, said: “We were very pleased to be able to secure such a major internationally recognised company as DHL for our client whilst providing them with the perfect solution for their expansion needs.”