Chinese firm has sights set on huge warehouse

IDENTITY OF THE CLIENT HAS NOT BEEN REVEALED BUT IS A 'LEADING' E-COMMERCE FIRM

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

A "LEADING" Chinese e-commerce company is behind plans to buy a massive warehouse on an expanding A50 business park near Derby, creating hundreds of jobs.

The as-yet unidentified firm is the prospective buyer for a planned 37,000 square metre (402,000 square feet) warehouse on Dove Valley Park, near Foston, owned by Clowes Developments, which is run by Derby County owner David Clowes.

South Derbyshire District Council had approved the plans in February, when they were expected to create up to 960 jobs, with the scheme now being changed to meet the specifications of the prospective client.

This client, documents detail, "is a leading Chinese cross-border e-commerce enterprise with a well-established international presence and a long-term strategy to expand its operations within the UK, particularly in South Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands".

The documents add: "The company intends to invest in the region on a sustained basis, supported by growing demand within its UK distribution network.

"At this stage, the identity of the end user cannot be disclosed, as commercial negotiations remain ongoing and are subject to confidentiality obligations.