Matthew Clark moves in at Thorp Arch site

A major new distribution warehouse is to be built at Thorp Arch Estate, near Wetherby, after national drinks distributor, Matthew Clark Wholesale, decided to establish a base there.

The Thorp Arch Estate, which is on the site of a 385-acre former Royal Ordinance wartime munitions factory, already accommodates more than 140 businesses.

Building work will start on the 62,925 sq ft purpose-built facility in January, with completion expected in early summer 2016, after the plan was backed by Leeds City Council planners this month.

Matthew Clark Wholesale, which distributes alcoholic and soft drinks to thousands of pubs, hotels, clubs and restaurants throughout the North of England, is moving the 90 staff employed in its Yorkshire operation from the Derwent Valley Industrial Estate, in Dunnington, near York, where it has been based for more than 15 years.

Tenders for the building work, in which property and construction consultants, LHL Group, York, will be employer’s agent, have been issued and a contractor will be announced soon.

The Thorp Arch Estate has demolished three former units to make way for the new warehouse.

The new distribution warehouse will feature nine dock levellers, two level-entry goods access doors, a large goods yard and 6,350 sq ft of office space.

Tim Munns, the director of Wharfedale Property Management, which manages the estate for the owner, Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust, said: “Attracting Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd is another significant coup for Thorp Arch Estate, as we continue to develop one of the most dynamic business communities in Yorkshire.

“As with many of our tenants, Matthew Clark has chosen to relocate to Thorp Arch Estate due to our proximity to the A1 and national motorway network.

“This is one of the most significant industrial property deals in Yorkshire this year, and reinforces the estate’s ideal location between Leeds, York and Harrogate.”

Matthew Clark Wholesale, which has its national headquarters in Bristol, has more than 200 years’ experience of supplying drinks, hospitality training, labour management and marketing support to more than 16,000 premises in the UK.

Ian Gordon, Matthew Clark’s regional managing director, said: “I’m delighted to be relocating our regional operations to this new, purpose-built facility. Our business has grown dramatically during the past few years which has meant that we are unable to continue to operate from our existing site.

“This is a very exciting time for the Matthew Clark business and this expansion is the result of a continuing successful collaboration between our suppliers, employees and customers. This new development paves the way for the next phase of growth of the Matthew Clark business.”