The company is to join fellow retailer John Lewis on the site Milton Keynes Partnership Committee approved plans for the 45,000 sq metre centre.
The new facility will contribute almost £3 million to the Milton Keynes Infrastructure Tariff.
Don Morgan, planning and development director for Magna Park development managers Gazeley UK, said: “Despite generally harsh trading conditions on the High Street, River Island continues to achieve favourable trading results and wishes to invest in its continuing long-term growth in Milton Keynes. This is a major vote of confidence in the Magna Park project and in the city.â€
River Island has a long-standing national operational base at Tongwell and the new site at Magna Park will allow the company to remain in the area with its existing staff and to grow substantially in a phased expansion plan.
The distribution centre aims to achieve the BREEAM Excellent standard and will incorporate a range of sustainable design initiatives and environmentally-friendly features that will contribute to savings in carbon emissions and energy costs.
Milton Keynes Partnership chief executive John Lewis (pictured) said: “Milton Keynes keeps on attracting major commercial players – most recently Domino’s Pizza Group at West Ashlands and now River Island at Magna Park. High-calibre businesses such as these will help to maintain job growth and continue the demand for housing in Milton Keynes.â€
