The decision marks Amazon’s return to the Big-Box building market in the UK after expansion plans went on hold two years ago in a belt-tightening exercise.

Amazon said the new building offering around 2m sq ft will be the latest generation fulfilment centre, with three floors of robotics where goods will be stored and customer orders will be picked using advanced technology.

Winvic has been carrying out enabling works for the wider site which has planning for 5m sq ft of warehouses and has also started on plot 4 following the first letting to Yusen Logistics.

Neil Travis, Amazon’s regional director, said: “The East Midlands is an important region for Amazon, with more than 6,000 small- and medium-sized enterprise selling partners, and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment with this £500m investment in a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Northampton.

“The new site will create more than 2,000 new jobs, taking our total workforce in the East Midlands to more than 10,000 full and part-time roles, and our investment in the region to more than £4bn since 2010.

“Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, ensuring their wellbeing while delivering for our customers.”

The spokesperson added: “Amazon has invested over £56bn in the UK since 2010 to provide convenience, selection and value to UK consumers, while helping to digitally empower hundreds of thousands of small businesses and content creators.”