Amazon puts 1.3m sq ft of warehousing space at risk

Amazon has set out plans to shut three warehouses in the UK, which could bring some 1.3m sq ft of space back to the market. The tech giant is also planning to open two new fulfilment centres, which are expected to create 2,500 jobs over the next three years. The e-commerce giant has launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in Doncaster, Hemel Hempstead and Gourock in Scotland.  The Doncaster hub – Firstpoint at Balby Carr Bank – measures around 500,000 sq ft, while the Hemel Hempstead fulfilment centre totals around 450,000 sq ft. The Gourock facility measures some 300,000 sq ft.  The move will affect around 1,200 jobs, although a spokesman for Amazon said all of the workers affected will be offered jobs at other Amazon locations.  New locations in the pipeline include fulfilment centres in Peddimore in the West Midlands and Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham. “We are always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers,” said the spokesman. “As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities or open new sites, and we have launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023,” the spokesman added. “All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities, and we remain committed to our customers, employees and communities across the UK.”   To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@eg.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @EGPropertyNews Photo courtesy of Innesco