Australian DIY chain opens its fourth, and largest, Bunnings Warehouse in the UK and Ireland today in Milton Keynes.

The new 90,000sq ft store, which occupies the site of the former Homebase on Snowdon Drive, continues Bunnings’ momentum of establishing its Warehouse format in the UK’s £38billion-a-year home improvement and garden market.

The outlet employs 140 people and stocks more than 35,000 different home improvement and garden products, including a mix of international and British brands – from Purdy’s paintbrushes, which have not previously been available to non-professionals - to Ryobi and DeWalt tools. Paint mixing services from Johnstone’s Trade, Crown and Dulux are also available in-store.

To celebrate the opening, nine-time Grand Prix winner and F1 legend Mark Webber will host a welcome breakfast for team members. Australian, Mr Webber said: “Bunnings Warehouse is a huge name in my native Australia, so it’s an honour to be opening their biggest UK store to date. I’m sure the store will be a great success.”

The store’s complex manager, Kevin Dale, added: “It is great to finally open our doors to customers. Our team members have worked really hard to get the store ready for opening. Collectively we’ve already completed more than 1,500 training hours to make sure we have the expertise to help with home or garden projects.”

Bunnings team members have already been busy in Milton Keynes, lending a helping hand with gardening and decorating projects for MK Snap, Loughton Manor First School, and Milton Keynes Hospital. This support continues a long tradition by Bunnings in Australia and New Zealand of playing an active part in the local community.

The opening will be supported by two further events this weekend, with a number of family activities.

Parent firm, Wesfarmers Group recently announced plans to invest up to £500million rolling out Bunnings Warehouse stores across the UK and Ireland over the next three to five years.