CONSTRUCTION STARTS AT SUPER RETAIL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION has started at Super Retail Group’s (ASX:SUL) new $75 million Brendale distribution centre.

About 400 jobs will be created during the construction and fit out of the 48,315 square metre facility at the New Base Business Park and SUL will employ about 220 people at the warehouse upon completion, many of whom will be relocated from other areas.

The space includes a warehouse administration area of 985 square metres, with capacity to accommodate a further 1,000 square metres for support office personnel.

The 10.5 hectare site has been acquired by Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Company’s (ASX:SOL) Australian Logistics Property Fund, which will build, own and manage the facility, which it has leased to SUL on a long-term deal. SOL is also in the process of building another new facility for Supercheap at Erskine Park, New South Wales.

The Brendale centre will provide vital support to SUL’s network of stores across Queensland and Northern Territory, serving as a localised hub for supply chain and fulfilment of retail operations for a number of SRG’s major brands.

The new centres are part of a consolidation of the current SUL distribution centres located in Lawnton and Loganlea. SRG CEO, Peter Birtles, says the new facility is part of the group’s ongoing expansion.

“We are pleased to make this investment in Brisbane’s northern corridor, which will generate growth opportunities for SRG and our associated businesses and partners,” says Birtles.

“Investa (owners of New Base Business Park) has been highly supportive of our expansion needs and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship across our operations.”

The Lawnton-based group is Australasia’s sixth-largest retail organisation with more than 600 stores, employing over 12,000 team members. In owns and runs eight major retail brands: Amart Sports, BCF Boating Camping Fishing, Goldcross Cycles, FCO Fishing Camping Outdoors, Ray’s Outdoors, Rebel, Supercheap Auto and Super Retail Commercial.