Greggs reveals plans for national distribution centre

The baker has submitted a planning application for 28,944m²​ of logistics space on a 25.1-acre plot at Symmetry Park, supported by logistics developer Tritax Symmetry. The unit will be designed to a ‘BREEAM very good’ standard, achieving an EPC A rating and meeting net zero carbon in construction requirements.

Tritax is also seeking planning permission for an additional 9,290m²​ to allow Greggs to expand the site further.

Growing portfolio

The investment at Symmetry Park will bolster Greggs’ capacity to directly supply ambient and chilled products to its growing portfolio of shops.

Greggs expected the national distribution centre to be operational in the first half of 2027, subject to approval.

The high-street baker revealed its strategic growth plan in 2021, with focus on the better use of space, heavy investment in centralised automation and delivering ‘step-change improvement’ to its supply chain cost structure.

News of Greggs’ latest planning application comes just one month after it announced it was leasing a new frozen production and logistics facility​​ in a Derby-based smart park as part of its scale-up plans.

Supply chain investment

Once constructed, the Baker planned to develop the facility and install manufacturing and logistics equipment to optimise the site’s operations.

Greggs owns more than 2,500 stores nationwide and employs more than 32,000 members of staff. The baker operates its own supply chain – including manufacturing and logistics – specialising in food-to-go.

Located at Junction 9 of the A14, Symmetry Park extends to 136 acres in total and has outline planning permission for 214,606m²​ of logistics space overall. The park is currently home to Iron Mountain, a US-based data centre storage provider, which has occupied a 29,078m²​ unit on a 15-year lease since 2023.

Meanwhile, Constellation Cold Logistics has expanded its site in Grimsby,​​ which will see an additional 49,000 EUR-pallet spaces.