A NEW distribution centre working for national supermarket chains including Tesco and Sainsbury’s could bring 75 jobs to Wallingford.

Agent Carroll and Partners has submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council for a new 11,100 sq m warehouse on the Hithercroft industrial estate.

The warehouse would be built by Rubies Masquerade (UK) Ltd on land at the junction of Hithercroft Road and Bosley Way.

The application to the council says: “Rubies Masquerade require a new distribution/warehouse facility plus headquarters office accommodation to satisfy their needs in meeting ongoing business growth in the UK, Europe and Middle East.

“The company supplies approximately 2,500 retailers throughout the UK, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, George (Asda), John Lewis, Mothercare, Argos, Hamleys, and Toys R Us.

“The company is seeking to centralise all its UK operations in this proposed development.”

According to the planning application, the warehouse, including a second-floor office, trade showroom and two-storey headquarters, would have a new entrance off Hithercroft Road.

Wallingford town and Oxfordshire county councillor Lynda Atkins said the land was designated for employment use.

She added: “I think new jobs for the town is good news.

“The site which has been allocated for the new Morrisons supermarket is about a quarter of a mile away and the new access off Hithercroft Road should avoid any potential conflict for traffic.”

The council is due to consider the application by November.

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