RETAILER John Lewis has completed a property deal that will enable it to upgrade its delivery service to customers.

The company has completed on the pre-let of Unit 3 at South Central, a new 205,035 sq ft industrial warehouse complex next to junction 3 of the M27.

John Lewis, which has a flagship store in Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre, is taking out a 15-year lease on the property from Peel Logistics and Rockspring.

The 46,353 sq ft warehouse will provide the retailer with extra capacity to service its Southampton store and outlets in the wider south coast region.

It will replace the company’s existing warehouse provision, located nearby in Southampton city centre, with the full relocation expected to be completed by April next year.

James Haestier, director, industrial and logistics at Colliers International, which advised John Lewis, said: “Southampton’s geographic location, infrastructure and industrial heritage makes the city an incredibly desirable place for retailers and manufacturers to position their warehouse and logistics facilities.

“However, there is a distinct lack of industrial space.

“At South Central, John Lewis has successfully collaborated with Peel Logistics to strategically build a facility to its exact needs and design which has also been delivered on time and to specification.”

Adrian Whitfield, director, industrial and logistics at Lambert Smith Hampton, which advised Peel Logistics, added: “We were delighted such a household name as John Lewis chose South Central for their relocation and look forward to securing tenants for the remaining detached units of 40,000 sq ft and 117,000 sq ft which each benefit from high eaves and a secure yard.”

South Central comprises three units which were completed last month.