Waitrose Plans First New Full-Line Supermarket in Seven Years in Bristol

Waitrose is set to open its first new full-line supermarket in seven years in Brabazon, a new town in North Bristol, in 2027. The 30,000 square foot store, developed in partnership with YTL Developments, will create around 150 new jobs and is part of a broader £1 billion investment plan to open new stores and improve 150 existing ones over the next three years. This marks a significant expansion beyond Waitrose's recent focus on convenience and smaller franchise stores, including new locations at Welcome Break service areas. The Brabazon development is highlighted as one of the UK's most sustainable urban regeneration projects and a vibrant new city district driving regional economic growth. Waitrose managing director James Bailey emphasized the company's ambition to modernize its estate and broaden its reach, while YTL's planning director Seb Loyn noted the supermarket's arrival as a boost for the growing community and the area's attractiveness to homebuyers and investors. Alongside the Brabazon store, Waitrose is also opening additional convenience and franchise stores across the UK this year.