B&Q and Morrisons have announced that they have made a deal to convert the B&Q Warehouse store in Deptford, Sunderland to include a new Fresh Format Morrisons supermarket.
The two companies have exchanged contracts that will see the DIY giant's existing unit converted to include a new format B&Q store and the Morrisons foodstore. The proposed changes will create in excess of 300 local Morrisons jobs.

B&Q said that it has informed its store employees of its intention to reduce the size of its operation, as the new store will have a gross area of approximately 45,000sq ft together with new 30,000sq ft garden centre. The retailer has said it is supportive of the planning application by Morrisons and the jobs that it will create and the store will remain open throughout the conversion works, ensuring continuity of service for its customers.

B&Q's acting divisional director for North, Steven Blair, commented: "We want to offer our Sunderland customers the best that we can in home improvement and the new size store will include new features and services that will not only inspire customers but will also help them to undertake their home improvement projects.

"This deal will enable us to continue to serve our Sunderland customers to the highest possible standard and we are committed to working with Morrisons to enhance the whole shopping experience on the site."

Morrisons is in talks with Sunderland City Council and is proposing a foodstore with a sales area of approximately 40,000sq ft that has been purposely designed for the area. Dates for a public consultation exhibition are due to be announced soon.

This news comes after several announcements this year by B&Q and Morrisons to share store space; the latest stores to merge have included Ipswich, Preston Lancashire, and Wigan.