Ocado to open Leeds depot

The new grocery delivery facility which is located at Unit B Fox Way in Hunslet, totals 17,500ft2 and will provide 140 jobs. It would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Consultant Gerald Eve which is advising the online retailer said: “Ocado is seeking to occupy the property as part of their growing network of distribution hubs across England.

“Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, distribution has become a crucial part of the UK’s infrastructure. Whilst the sector was already on the rise, due to increased demand for online shopping, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for online shopping and highlighted the importance of being able to access groceries and essential items via the internet. It is expected that this trend will continue long after the effects of the pandemic ease

“Ocado have identified Leeds as a key area where the demand for goods is high yet the existing availability of distribution hubs is low, which ultimately affects the service Ocado are able to provide to the customer and results in long wait times for groceries. The objective of Ocado is to occupy this unit, and serve the central and wider Leeds area, providing an essential service that will be much needed long after the effects of the pandemic ease off.”

The unit was previously occupied by Sovereign Air Movement; a manufacturer and distributor of bespoke air handling units to the construction sector.