Travis Perkins to build new DC in Coventry, creating 300 jobs

The British builders' merchant will create a jobs boost at its new Regional Distribution Centre at Whitley Business Park

Up to 300 jobs look set to be created at a new distribution centre in Coventry.

British builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has announced plans to open a new facility at Whitley Business Park.

The hub, which will serve local branches and some orders direct to trade customers, will employ up to 300 staff during a 24-hour operation - on a three-shift basis.

A planning application to build the new Regional Distribution Centre has been submitted to Coventry City Council, as well as additional improvements to the access roadway.

The proposed development will use the existing four-arm Sherbourne roundabout to the north of Jaguar Land Rover. The spine road - which is partially built to the east of the roundabout - will be extended to provide access to the site.

The plans also include offices and storage space, as well as a 180-space car park at the front of the site, an area for motorcycle parking and covered cycle shelters and external storage areas.

Local leaders have welcomed the jobs boost and praised Coventry and Warwickshire’s commitment to growth - which they say has attracted Travis Perkins to the city.

David Penn, the managing director of Shortland Penn + Moore, said the roadworks for the new Whitley junction - which were carried out last year to provide better access to the business park - has helped to attract the firm.

Mr Penn said: “Infrastructure improvements are a great driver for economic success but it is rare that they have such an immediate and direct result.

“Whitley Business Park has attracted strong interest over the years but now we have a genuine commitment to invest and create hundreds of jobs here.”

Travis Perkins - which has a second Coventry base in Lockhurst Lane - currently operates 1,900 outlets and has more than 24,000 employees in the UK and Ireland. The firm has been supplying the building and construction trades for more than 200 years.

Whitley Business Park was formally owned by Jaguar Land Rover and Coventry City Council until regeneration specialist St Modwen acquired 93-acres in March 2007.

Mark Watkins, senior development surveyor at St Modwen, said: "The application for a storage and distribution centre is a key part of St Modwen's plans to bring employment opportunities to Whitley Business Park.

“St Modwen is working to create a mixed-use environment at the business park, including research and development businesses, and light industrial, commercial, storage and distribution as well as supporting ancillary services such as leisure, nursery and local retail.”

The Travis Perkins development will be built on the “Riverside” phase of the park.

Source : Jenny Waddington - Coventry Telegraph
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/travis-perkins-set-create-300-8587697