A Marks & Spencer distribution centre which will create more than 1,000 jobs in Bradford was officially opened by company chairman Sir Stuart Rose yesterday.

He joined Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood to cut the ribbon on the 1.1million sq ft warehouse – one of the largest in the UK.

It has already created 300 jobs, a figure which is expected to rise to 450 jobs next year and up to 1,200 when the ProLogis Park is fully operational. Sir Stuart told gathered dignitaries and business leaders the £40million warehouse was a “hugely important symbol” of the company’s continued growth and a major part of Bradford’s regeneration.

He said: “This is part of a building programme which we started thinking about five or six years ago to make our business more efficient and we have built it in Bradford because it is so accessible.”

He said he hoped the opening of the new distribution centre, next to the M606 motorway, would contribute to the district’s regeneration.

“Bradford is an area that needs regeneration and we are proud to be a part of that,” he said.

Bradford Council’s chief executive, Tony Reeves, leader of the Tory opposition group, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, and Dr Harold Robinson, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, were at the official opening yesterday.

Councillor Greenwood thanked those who had been involved with building the huge facility, which he likened to something out of a “Star Wars film”.

He said: “It is a sign of faith in the future of Bradford, the future of our workforce and the future of our business community.

“I would like to thank all of the Council officers and businesses that have made a contribution. It is an absolute statement of confidence in Bradford district.”

Andy Griffiths, managing director of ProLogis UK, said: “It should make a significant economic contribution locally. We are delighted that the facility represents what we can offer to companies like M&S and to be able to deliver it on time and on budget was very important .”