Booker to convert Fareham depot to distribution centre, closing it soon for retailers

Booker has submitted a planning application to Fareham Borough Council to expand the Makro cash and carry in Fareham into a distribution centre and delivery hub. The 117,000 sq ft warehouse will be able to deliver around 220,000 cases of stock a week to retailers operating across the region and is expected to create 160 more jobs.

This would mean closing the doors of the facility to retailers and its other customers with access restricted to employees and delivery drivers only. The Makro customer base includes caterers, charities, restaurants, B&Bs and retailers who can currently either collect at the site or order deliveries.

Planning documents state the facility "already includes a significant level of delivery operation".

"The site is located within an industrial area, which the Council identifies is a priority for employment-related development. "The site occupies an existing employment building and associated offices falling within class B8 use (commercial and industrial), with parking and servicing areas to the front and rear of the building. The proposals will not change the existing use class of the site, this will remain in B8 use," local reports quote from the Booker's documents.

"11 loading Docks would be installed on the northern frontage of the building, and the external hardstanding in that area changed to a service yard, with a fenced heavy goods vehicle storage area accessed off it.

"The parking area on the eastern portion of the site would be retained for staff/colleague parking. The proposed works are required in order to accommodate the additional space required for employees and deliveries.

"Makro currently employs 40 members of staff at the site. It is proposed that the new Booker delivery hub- distribution centre will enable the creation of a further 160 employees, operating across three shifts (06:00-14:00, 14:00-20:00, 20:00-06:00) across the week."

Makro is a company within the Booker Group, which is acting as the applicant. The parent company of both of these subsidiaries is Tesco.