Asda build gets underway on Kingsway

Work has started on Asda’s new distribution facility which opens next year.
 
The facility, at Kingsway Business Park, will feature a new chilled and frozen distribution centre as well as an Asda service centre for recycling. 
 
Planning consent for the development was granted by Rochdale Borough Council last month. The building is being delivered in a partnership between the Council, ASDA, Rochdale Development Agency, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Wilson Bowden Developments.
 
Ant Everett, Head of Network Development for Asda Distribution, said: “As we continue to grow and serve more customers we identified a requirement for additional chilled and frozen warehousing capacity in the north of England. This development will ensure our network has the necessary capacity   to service future business growth.
 
“All the parties involved have worked hard to reach this milestone and we appreciate their efforts in bringing this to fruition.”
 
The 44-acre site for the development was acquired from the HCA. Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director North West at the HCA, said: “The HCA is committed to working with local partners and residents to support the development of thriving communities and attract businesses to invest in places.
 
“The teams involved in this project in Rochdale have had a clear vision for Kingsway and are dedicated to meeting agreed economic development and regeneration objectives. I’m looking forward to seeing this vision become a reality.”

Councillor Peter Williams, Rochdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Economic Development, said: “It’s great to see Asda now on site. Attracting a household name to the borough is a major boost for Rochdale’s economy and it confirms the Park’s strategic location and its appeal to major businesses.”
 
Operations are due to start in September next year. As well as picking and distributing chilled and frozen products to local stores, the Service Centre will allow ASDA to return re-usable delivery equipment and waste packaging for consolidation and off-site recycling. This enables the company to continue to work towards its target of sending zero waste to landfill.
 
The plot that Asda has taken was the largest undeveloped plot on the Park. The retailer joins a growing list of occupiers including JD Sports who have now started to occupy their 850,000 sq ft office and distribution centre which has been constructed and fitted out over the last 18 months. Other businesses located on the Park include Vindon Scientific, Takeuchi Manufacturing, CR Laurence, EON, Edmund Bell, and British Millerain.