RETAIL giant John Lewis are the first tenant to take a unit at a £30m industrial development on the outskirts of Southampton

John Lewis has confirmed that it will be moving its delivery hub from City Industrial Park to South Central, currently under construction in Test Lane, Nursling.

A spokesman for John Lewis said: "We're pleased that in the first quarter of 2019, we will relocate our operations to the brand new site at South Central logistics park and at the same time will close our existing site at West Quay."

However, John Lewis say the move, to the purpose-built 46,000 sq ft customer delivery hub will provide them extra capacity but will not create any extra jobs.

This is the first leasing deal signed at South Central, which comprises three facilities totalling 202,000 sq ft. John Lewis’ facility will be completed by September 2018, say builders Peel Logistics Property.

Construction of the two other facilities (117,000 sq ft and 39,000 sq ft) is underway on a speculative basis and they are expected to be completed by May 2018.

Neil Dickinson, of Peel, said, “This leasing deal with John Lewis is another example of Peel Logistics Property’s capability in delivering high quality urban logistics facilities for leading UK occupiers. We look forward to welcoming other tenants to South Central as construction progresses.”

Lambert Smith Hampton and Jones Lang LaSalle acted for Peel Logistics Property. Colliers acted for John Lewis.