ONLINE retailer Amazon has confirmed it will open a new warehouse in Tilbury next spring creating 1,500 jobs.

The news comes after months of speculation that Amazon was behind a planning application for a warehouse at the London Distribution Park in May.

The company added its new Essex site would help support small businesses and meet growing customer demand nationally.

National statistics show the amount UK shoppers spent in July was 16.7 per cent higher than the same month last year.

Amazon said employees will receive "competitive" pay which could rise to £9 per hour after two years.

The original planning application proposed 3,500 jobs but that has now been dropped to 1,500.

The retail giant will move to the London Distribution Park, owned by Forth Ports and Roxhill Developments.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said they were “delighted” the online retailer giant, Amazon, had chosen Tilbury as their new home.

Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Councillor Mark Coxshall added he was “thrilled” he could finally talk about the project which has been months in planning in partnership with Port of Tilbury.

Mr Coxshall said: “This significant venture in the borough will act as the catalyst to secure investment in transport links, improve the local environment – which is important in terms of our local environment Clean it, Cut it, Fill it promises - as well as creating employment opportunities for local people.

“The new centre is extremely well placed in terms of road and distribution networks in the South East as well as benefiting from neighbouring logistical experts like Port of Tilbury.”

He added: “Amazon is another global brand investing in Thurrock, which we are very happy to be partnered with.

“Our planning and regeneration teams have been working closely with Amazon to ensure Thurrock, and especially Tilbury, reaps many of the rewards such a large brand brings with it.

“This includes community staff busses to work, access to skills and training as well as a commitment to ensure local people have fair access to opportunities.”

John Tagawa, Amazon's UK vice-president, said: "We are delighted to be creating more than 1,500 new permanent full-time jobs with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports said: “This is great news for the port and for the Thurrock area.

"By basing itself at the port, Amazon will save time and money and capitalise on our prime south east location."

Last October, Amazon opened a new delivery centre in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, creating 200 jobs.

The Gazette has asked the retail giant if it will confirm the number of jobs that will be committed to local people and is awaiting a response.