The Enquirer understands that Wembley-based demolition contractor Scudder will start clearing the former Linde forklift factory site next week under a 12 week contract.

Sainsbury’s will redevelop the 10-acre site at Houndmills to create a 680,000 sq ft distribition centre, which gained planning in January.

The complex £100m development will be phased to allow Sainsbury’s to supply stores from an existing smaller depot on the site during construction.

B&K has a long track record with Sainsbury’s and so far this year has checked out with store jobs in Wolverhampton and Bicester.

Its new distribution complex will include a 550,000 sq ft chilled and ambient storage as well as 22,500 sq ft of offices.

Paul Green, Sainsbury’s logistics town planning manager, said: “We are very excited about the opportunity to improve our Basingstoke depot, and are encouraged by the support and feedback we have received from the local community.”