Morrisons is opening a distribution centre to deliver to its growing number of convenience stores across the north of England.

The leased site, in Bury, Lancashire, opens later this year and has the potential to service more than 100 Morrisons M local stores.

It is the Bradford-based retailer’s second convenience distribution hub, following from the opening of its site in Feltham, West London, in March. It will support the opening of 62 sites acquired from Blockbuster, HMV and Jessops.

A spokesman said no openings were planned for Bradford, but it was always keen to hear of suggested locations from customers.

Morrisons aims to have more than 100 M local convenience stores open by the end of January, creating 2,000 jobs with about half of these in the south of England.

Group logistics and supply chain director Neal Austin said: “This is a big year for M local as we expand at pace. The convenience market is a fantastic opportunity for us and, as we expand our store offering, we’ve got to make sure we have the infrastructure to support it.

“We have spoken at length about the importance of us developing a presence in London and the south east, which will be our initial focus, but it’s crucial to us that we also bring our great M local offering to our customers up here in our heartland as well.”