Sports retailer looks to double size of distribution depot in Northampton

A global sports retailer is looking to double to size of its existing distribution depot in Northampton.

Decathlon, which employs 75,000 people in 29 countries, currently has its national distribution at Brackmills Industrial Estate. But the lease for the building comes to an end in 2018.

The firm, which employs 100 people in the town, says it has “significant growth plans” and will have outgrown its existing site.

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A spokesman said: “We have therefore agreed terms with Roxhill for a new design and build facility at Brackmills Point Phase II and we are in full support of their planning application which is due to be heard at the planning committee on July 26.

“This new facility will allow the business to more than double in size and meet its growth targets.

“The development of this site, once completed, will become the flagship logistics centre for Decathlon in the UK,” he said.

The spokesman said the location close to the University of Northampton site is important as the company was looking to work more closely with the university.

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“Relocating to Brackmills Point will allow us to retain existing staff in Northampton and also grow and create further employment opportunities at the new unit,” he added.

Ricardo Rodriquez, expansion manager at Decathlon UK, said: “This distribution centre facility is ideally and strategically located to service our existing store network and also the proposed expansion of Decathlon’s business across the UK over the next few years.

“Decathlon sees significant potential and opportunity for expansion in the UK.”

Councillor Tim Hadland, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration, planning and enterprise, said: “We’ve seen a number of business expansions in Northampton over recent months.

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“This investment, by a global company with its headquarters in France is a demonstration that international investors want to do business in Northampton, taking full advantage of our fantastic business environment.

“We set out to make business investment and expansion as simple as possible, and I look forward to hearing our planning committee’s decision on this application in due course.”