Construction work has started on a giant drinks distribution hub for Matthew Clark Wholesale (MCW) at Thorp Arch Estate near Wetherby.

The 62,925 sq ft depot will be the new site for MCW, which is relocating from Dunnington near York, with 90 staff relocating to the new site. Unit 512 will be the third biggest unit on the 385-acre Thorp Arch Estate.

Tim Munns, Director of Wharfedale Property Management, which manages the estate, said: "We're pleased to be working with Hobson & Porter who have started work on the significant new-build schemes. The new buildings will provide quality accommodation and continue the process of redeveloping and upgrading the buildings on the estate which is Leeds' largest employment site North of the city."

Hobson & Porter has been awarded the contract to build the hub.

Alex Edwards, Contracts manager at Hobson & Porter, said: "We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with
Rockspring on the Thorp Arch Estate and are thrilled to be extending our operations into North Yorkshire.

The new distribution hub, which will be ready for occupation this summer, will feature nine dock levellers, two level-entry goods access doors, a large goods yard and 6,350 sq ft of office space.