Woolworths is to launch its first Queensland “dark store” in Rochedale, southern Brisbane.

The opening results from the increasing popularity of online grocery shopping in the region, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

According to ABC News, Woolworths’ Rochedale Customer Fulfilment Centre, where personal shoppers can pick and pack grocery orders from across Brisbane, will span 10,000sqm. The store will be closed to the public and stock 20,000 products.

“This new Brisbane facility will employ local staff that will pick out, pack up and facilitate the delivery of the weekly shop right from Rochedale to the front door of South-East Queenslanders,” said Krista Adams, chairwoman at city planning committee.

The $85 million project is expected to provide jobs to around 800 personal shoppers when it opens.

First launched in 2014, Woolworths’ dark stores are now open in Lidcombe, Mascot and Brookvale in Sydney and West Footscray in Melbourne.