The expansion is part of the firm’s strategy to increase total sales space by two million sq ft within the next three years building traditional superstore and new Morrisons M local formats.

Through a combination of openings, acquisitions and planning consents, Morrisons is stepping up its UK presence, particularly in  London and the South, both areas where it is currently under-represented.

Terry Hartwell, Group Property Director at Morrisons, said: “We’re actively targeting growth and want to add two million sq ft of net new sales space to our store portfolio within the next three years. 

“By adding over 200,000 sq ft to our footprint in the first three months of 2013 alone, we’re sending a clear message to our customers and to the property market that we’re keen to acquire more stores and more sites right across the UK.”

Morrisons’ property requirements now span from 3,000 sq ft convenience stores through to 75,000 sq ft superstores.  Its total store portfolio stands at more than 27 million sq ft across the UK (gross).

The Morrisons M local convenience format was introduced in 2012 and Morrisons has a target to have at least 100 M locals open and trading by the end of the 2013/14 financial year.

The business is focusing on high-footfall locations including high streets, transport hubs and district centres.  It will look at new-build, refurbishment or conversions for new convenience stores, freehold or leasehold.