Hundreds more jobs are set to be created after a large delivery firm signed a deal to fill a new warehouse.

DPD has been confirmed as a tenant at industrial developer Panattoni’s second phase of its project in Kemsley, near Sittingbourne.

The parcel firm will move into a 58,000 sq ft facility once it is built.

However, first, Swale council needs to grant planning permission.

Building work is already underway on phase one of the project, dubbed Panattoni Park, which includes two larger buildings – 439,228 sq ft and 205,320 sq ft.

These warehouses are being built speculatively and are set to be completed by March next year. There are no tenants yet.

Once up and running the 644,549 sq ft site, which the firm purchased for £150 million in October last year, is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs.

In an announcement made this week, Panattoni said DPD would bring “with it hundreds of new jobs”. KentOnline has asked the firm for the exact figure.

Panattoni development manager, Alex Mitchell, says securing DPD is a “significant milestone” for the project.

He added: “It demonstrates the strong demand that exists for high-quality, sustainable industrial space in the south east.

“We are confident Swale council shares our vision to deliver high-quality industrial space to support and sustain the local economy.

“We are confident that we could begin construction later this year and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets DPD’s operational needs, while also aligning with our sustainability goals.”

If given the green light the new DPD facility could be ready for occupation by autumn next year.

Tony Watkins, Panattoni’s head of development, south east and London, said: “Our development at Sittingbourne is poised to become a key logistics hub in the region, benefiting from excellent transport links and proximity to major urban centres.

“Across the south east, and the UK, we are delivering what the best companies are demanding, and that is high-performing, high-quality logistics and distribution space in the best locations.”

Panattoni says the facility will be constructed to the highest environmental standards, targeting a BREEAM “excellent” rating, in line with its dedication to sustainability.