Construction has begun on a major distribution centre at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster, a project set to create 1,000 jobs and drive economic growth in the region. Located off Junction 5 of the M18/M180, the site offers strong transport links, supporting supply chain efficiency and nationwide service.
Retailer TJ Morris Ltd, trading as Home Bargains, is behind the development, which will feature a fully automated 1 million sq. ft facility at Unity Connect. The centre will include a 43-metre-high bay, low bay areas, and cold storage to support the company's expansion plans. McLaren Construction Midlands and North is leading the project, which is scheduled for completion in October 2026.
A ground-breaking ceremony marked the milestone, attended by Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and representatives from City of Doncaster Council, Business Doncaster, and Waystone Hargreaves Land. The facility will be handed over to Witron for the installation of automated picking equipment, with operations set to service over 300 stores by mid-2028.
Stuart Goss, Operations Director at McLaren Construction, described the project as "a testament to our expertise in delivering high-specification logistics facilities." Neil Kelson, Head of Logistics at TJ Morris, emphasised that the centre is a "key step" in the retailer's logistics strategy, enabling efficient customer service and local employment growth.
Mayor Ros Jones highlighted the development as "a milestone for the local area," strengthening the community and creating well-paid jobs. Helen McLoughlin, Director at Waystone Hargreaves LLP, called the project "a landmark building" that will put Unity Yorkshire "on the map."
The Unity Yorkshire development also supports a bespoke Employment Academy, offering recruitment and training support to businesses and employees on-site, further benefiting the local workforce.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com