Tesco to cut 700 jobs if Andover depot goes ahead
Tesco says it will close its Weybridge distribution depot with the loss of 700 jobs if planning permission is given to build an 75,000m2 warehouse near Andover. The supermarket is in discussions to lease the proposed unit from developer Goodman, which has applied to build a 130,000m2 business complex on the old Andover airfield. Objectors claim the warehouse will result in around 1,700 lorry movements on the nearby A303 and surrounding roads.
However, Tesco says it "doesn't make sense" to propose a scheme that makes journeys difficult for staff drivers and the local community, and it will try to find alternative roles and relocation packages for employees if the Weybridge site closes. Goodman's planned business complex has met with furious objections from residents and MPs, who say the 'megashed' will cause mayhem on a road network already working at capacity. Tesco admits the A303 junction is already working at 107% capacity, but adds that Goodman proposes to make improvements which will reduce this to 70%.
