Ocado launches shed hunt after Andover fire

Ocado is looking for a new distribution centre following the fire at its site in Andover, Hampshire, earlier this week. It is understood the firm has appointed Gerald Eve to find a facility of between 100,000 sq ft and 300,000 sq ft in Hampshire. The requirement is for a lease of around one to two years while the 320,000 sq ft Andover unit undergoes repairs. More than 30,000 orders are usually processed at the Andover warehouse each week, representing 10% of Ocado’s total sales. The online supermarket had to cancel orders and said it anticipated a fall in sales growth until it could shift operations to a new warehouse. Gerald Eve declined to comment. Ocado was not available to comment. To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette