Ceremony marks start of works at advanced technological Distribution Centre in Doncaster

The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the region. 

Unity Yorkshire is a flagship mixed-use regeneration project, transforming the area into a thriving business and employment hub, set within a sustainable mixed use flagship development. Strategically located directly off Junction 5 of the M18/M180 motorway interchange, the scheme benefits from excellent transport links and infrastructure which enables occupiers such as TJ Morris to further enhance their supply chain efficiency and reinforce their commitment to nationwide customer service

The new circa 1 million sq. ft facility, located at Unity Connect, will consist of a fully automated distribution hub, with a 43-metre-high bay and significant low bay and cold storage areas, designed to support TJ Morris’ expansion plans.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the expansion of T J Morris’ national distribution network. The event was attended by Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, and representatives from City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster, Waystone Hargreaves Land, Atkins Realis, some of the logistics and automation team for TJ Morris and McLaren Construction Midlands and North - symbolising a collaborative effort in driving economic growth and investment in the region.

Construction is set to progress rapidly, with completion scheduled for October 2026. Upon completion, the facility will hand over to Witron for installation of automated picking equipment, The site will be highly automated and will service 300+ Home Bargains stores by mid 2028..

McLaren Construction, a leading UK contractor renowned for delivering high-quality, large-scale industrial and commercial projects, is proud to partner with TJ Morris Ltd and developer - Waystone Hargreaves Land, to bring this ambitious project to life.

Speaking at the event, Stuart Goss, Operations Director at McLaren Construction, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this major project for TJ Morris Ltd. This development is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-specification logistics facilities that drive business growth and regional economic development.”

Neil Kelson, Head of Logisitics at TJ Morris added: “The new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.”

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, added; “Today marks a milestone for the local area and wider city of Doncaster as we break ground on this state-of-the-art logistics centre. “This new addition to the Unity Yorkshire development not only strengthens our local community but also creates new, well-paid jobs for our residents. This is just the start of such a transformational development and is testament to our city’s growth and commitment to building a brighter future for all.”

Helen McLoughlin, Director at Waystone Hargreaves LLP, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for everyone connected with the development of Unity. TJ Morris quickly identified the many benefits that Unity has to offer as a strategic location, so we are thrilled that they are commencing work on-site. This will be a landmark building which will well and truly put Unity Yorkshire on the map, and we look forward to seeing construction progress in the months ahead."

The Unity Yorkshire development supports a bespoke Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster to support businesses and employees located on site to assist with their recruitment and training needs and promote all available employment opportunities to Doncaster residents and beyond.

For further information, media enquiries, or interview requests, please contact: Rebecca Morris at Jennie Holland PR on 0115 998 3048 rebecca.morris@jenniehollandpr.com