Value retailer Poundland is to open a new £40m distribution centre in Harlow, Essex which will operate as its main distribution hub for the south east.

It will be Poundland’s second warehouse in the region after it opened a 200,000 sq ft centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire last October.

The new bigger 350,000 sq ft site will serve over 200 stores once it becomes operational in 2014.

Poundland, which is being advised on the development by Cushman & Wakefield, is seeking planning permission for the centre . If given the go-ahead it will create 650 new jobs.

Poundland national portfolio manager Ben Wall said: “A new south east distribution centre will ensure that as the store portfolio grows we can continue to deliver amazing value to our customers every day. 

“As we continue to increase our store portfolio we will look to further expand our warehouse space in the future.”

Poundland currently operates from 450 stores in the UK and is planning on opening a further 60 stores this financial year.