Waitrose has announced a landmark multi-million pound deal to open its first full-line supermarket in seven years at Brabazon, North Bristol's ambitious new city district. The 30,000 sq ft store is expected to open in 2027, creating approximately 150 jobs and serving as the first major commercial partnership for the award-winning regeneration project led by YTL Developments.
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The supermarket will be located on the ground floor of a striking seven-storey office building designed by AHR architects. Positioned along the A38 Gloucester Road, it will sit just 500 metres from the new train station set to open in 2026, and benefit from a 1,500-space multi-storey car park nearby.
James Bailey, Executive Director of Waitrose, commented: 'We are moving up a gear in store investment as we open in new locations and modernise our existing estate to bring the quality, service and value that customers love about Waitrose closer to more people. Brabazon is one of the most exciting new city districts in the UK, driving the growth of one of the UK's most vibrant and successful regional economies. Partnering with YTL Developments at Brabazon underlines our ambition and the opportunity we believe we have to grow our reach.'
This new flagship store comes alongside a wider expansion strategy that includes a new convenience store at The Arches, Bristol, and recent openings in Cambridgeshire, Rotherham, and West Sussex. Two further service station locations will launch later this summer. Additionally, over 20 existing stores will be refurbished in 2025, almost doubling last year's rate, as part of a £1bn investment plan spanning three years.
Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director at YTL Developments, stated: 'The arrival of Waitrose in 2027 is not only great news for the thriving community of new residents at Brabazon: It shows that this new city district is now firmly established as one of the most attractive destinations for both homebuyers and commercial investment in the South West.'
The Brabazon development, built on the historic Filton Airfield, promises thousands of new homes, creative workplaces, and green spaces, anchored by Bristol's future 20,000-capacity arena and a new transport hub connecting to Temple Meads in under 15 minutes.
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