UK supermarket chain Waitrose is set to open its first full-size store in seven years in Bristol.

The retailer struck a multi-million pound deal with TYL Developments UK to build a new 30,000 sq ft store that will be located in Brabazon, a brand-new neighbourhood rising on the former Filton Airfield in North Bristol.

The new branch is part of a larger £1 billion investment program by the John Lewis Partnership to build new stores and revamp 150 existing stores over the next three years.

“The deal is the first major commercial partnership announced at Brabazon, which is one of the most sustainable examples of urban regeneration in the UK,” the retailer said in a statement on Thursday.

The move marks a return to larger-format retail after years of focusing on convenience and franchised outlets.

As Waitrose's first full supermarket launch since before the Covid-17 pandemic, the step signals a shift in strategy focused on expanding the presence of high footfall stores located in community-focused locations.

So far, the brand's growth has focused on smaller convenience formats and franchise stores, including the recent openings of Welcome Break sites in Spaldwick and Rotherham and a new convenience store in Southwick, West Sussex.

Expected to open in 2027, Waitrose added the new store will create around 150 new jobs.

The new branch is located on the ground floor of a seven-story office building, and will offer Waitrose's full range of food products, fresh produce counters, online shopping, and a home delivery service.

The store will also have a multi-story parking lot nearby for customers, offering space for more than 1,500 vehicles.

Waitrose added that two more Welcome Break stores, in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, will open later this summer. Another convenience store will open in The Arches, in downtown Bristol.

James Bailey, Waitrose managing director, said: “We are moving up a gear in store investment as we open in new locations and modernise our existing estate to bring the quality, service and value that customers love about Waitrose closer to more people.

“Brabazon is one of the most exciting new city districts in the UK, driving the growth of one of the UK’s most vibrant and successful regional economies.”

In March, Waitrose launched a £500,000 fund to help the British farmers supplying its shops transition to net zero emissions.


The net zero farm fund will finance projects by farmers and suppliers that support the adoption of low carbon farming practices.

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