WORK has begun on creating a huge new warehouse for distribution firm DHL at DP World London Gateway.

The 482,000 sq ft warehouse for the logistics provider is a joint enterprise. DHL will construct a brand-new bespoke facility at Plot 3040 on London Gateway's Logistics Park, where work to prepare the plot is already underway.

The main facility build is due to commence in early 2021 and on completion of the two year project, DHL will lease the facility from DP World London Gateway.

The warehouse will by 42 metres high and will be fully automated, ready for operation in early 2023 when it will be the largest single unit at London Gateway's Logistics Park.

Oliver Treneman, Park Development Director at DP World London Gateway said: "We are delighted to welcome DHL Supply Chain as our latest customer and the largest warehouse development on the Park to date. The most striking feature of this new letting is DHL's significant investment in automation that underpins its commitment to this strategic location. DHL will benefit from the right location, the right infrastructure and the right technology to serve Greater London and the South East over the long term."

His colleague, Jeremy Cracknell, Senior Property Development Manager at London Gateway added: "Our Logistics Park is the perfect choice for businesses like DHL looking to save time and instil a level of resilience within their supply chains.

"This latest letting brings the total number of occupiers on the Logistics Park to ten, with DHL joining UPS, Dixons Carphone, MADE.COM, Lidl, Ceva Logistics, P&O Ferrymasters, Halo Handling (SH Pratt), Ziegler UK and Compagnie Fruitiere."