A MAJOR relocation to a new purpose-built distribution hub at Thorp Arch Estate, near Wetherby, has been made by a national drinks distributor.

Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd, which distributes alcoholic and soft drinks to thousands of pubs, hotels, clubs and restaurants throughout the north, has relocated to the 62,925 sq ft facility, Unit 512, completing one of Yorkshire’s biggest commercial property deals of the last 18 months.

The relocation, in which the company moved its Yorkshire operation from Derwent Valley Industrial Estate, Dunnington, where it has been based for more than 15 years, brings 90 jobs to Thorp Arch Estate, which is owned by Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust.

Unit 512 is the third biggest unit on the 385-acre Thorp Arch Estate, and the largest warehouse that London-based Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust has built for a new tenant.

The completion of the relocation follows biotechnology company Avacta Group Plc, which relocated to Thorp Arch Estate six years ago, moving into an 12,800 sq ft of new office and laboratory space and a series of other new lettings.

Tim Munns, director of Wharfedale Property Management, which manages the estate for tyhe owners, said: “The completion of the Matthew Clark relocation is further evidence that Thorp Arch Estate is becoming the top destination for businesses across north Leeds, Harrogate and York which want to expand and be near the motorway network but do not want to move to the M62 corridor.”