WORK is set to begin expanding a B&M warehouse, guaranteeing jobs at the site for at least the next decade.

Halton Council planning chiefs recently rubber-stamped an application to increase the size of the 343,312sq ft warehouse on Blackheath Lane near Moore by almost a third, adding an additional 112,000 sq ft of space.

The committee was told the work would guarantee the future of the site, which employs 210 people. and create between an additional '20 and 50' roles.

Logicor, a European warehouse and logistics company, recently signed a deal with B&M to keep the discount retailer at the warehouse for a further 10 years, with Logicor committing to build the additional.112,000 sq ft of space to help serve B&M’s UK expansion. With work now set to get underway.

A spokesperson for B&M said: “Having occupied this site for many years, we know that our Runcorn warehouse is best located to serve our customers across the UK.

"The extension will provide plenty of space for us to expand our services with minimal disruption to our staff and allowing us to continue providing a seamless service to our customers. The additional space will also enable us to significantly increase our employment in the area.”

The new development works will include the extension of B&M’s service yard to the north and east, the input of 11 new dock loading doors, two new level access doors and 32 additional HGV parking spaces.

Forming part of the works, Logicor will also upgrade B&M’s existing warehouse to provide LED lighting throughout for, and install 10 EV chargers.

B&M will continue to occupy its existing building while the construction works take place, with completion of the development scheduled for the end of next summer. Upon occupation of the additional space, the new 10-year lease will commence on the combined c.455,000 sq ft warehouse.

Tom Blakely, Logicor’s Director, UK Asset Management, added: “It’s been a joy to work with the B&M team to identify and understand their expansion needs and to be able to deliver new space in the location they want to be.

"We have worked very closely with B&M to design the right space for them in a way which allows their team to continue operating as normal while the works take place.”