A new development of five small warehouse units has been completed at Thorp Arch Estate near Wetherby and fully let during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving only one new unit available at the entire 385-acre site.

Construction work on the latest 10,693 sq ft scheme, which is close to the estate’s entrance and comprises Units 155 (A+B) to Unit 158, started in November 2019 and completed at the end of the summer.

Estate owner, Patrizia Hanover Property Unit Trust, went ahead with the £700,000 scheme, which redeveloped part of the original 1941 wartime munitions factory after existing estate tenant, fitted kitchen and bedroom retailer, Buywell Interiors, pre-let the 2,456 sq ft Unit 155 (A+B).

The other units, ranging from 5,779 sq ft to 1,229 sq ft, which feature roller-shutter doors, offices, beverage areas, LED lighting, disability compliant washrooms and fibre connections to the estate’s superfast broadband, were let quickly to businesses including Silverfox, Glass Living Doors and Shield Access Solutions.

The rapid lettings mean that the only new-build unit available on the estate, which has 2m sq ft of business space, is at the 9,000 sq ft Unit 7, Ash Way III, a seven-metre high warehouse with an up-and-over loading door, air-conditioned office, LED lighting, concrete loading yard and fibre connection.

Buywell Interiors, run by husband-and-wife team, Michelle and Simon Procter, has been on the Estate for 12 years but relocated to the new scheme to gain more showroom space for its kitchen and bedroom furniture range.

Michelle Procter says “Our new unit is warm, bright and airy and the perfect environment to display our range of fitted kitchens and bedrooms. It is visible from the main entrance road and will hopefully attract lots of passing trade, as well as being easy to find for our existing customers.

“Being equidistant to Leeds, Harrogate and York, and close to the motorway network with good parking makes it a fantastic location for visitors and deliveries. We’re looking forward to welcoming new and existing customers.”

Contractor for the latest scheme was Arcon Construction, Wetherby while York-based property consultants and building surveyors, LHL Group, acted as the contract administrator and project manager.

Tim Munns, director of estate manager, Wharfedale Property Management, says: “Despite the considerable challenges from Covid-19, the latest units were completed within budget and fully let within weeks which is testament to the skill and perseverance of all those involved in the development.

“In spite of the pandemic, demand for warehouse and distribution space remains strong with the only new unit available being Unit 7, Ash Way III.”

The two-million sq ft Thorp Arch Estate, is base for a diverse range of more than 170 businesses, from start-ups to large Plcs, operating in local, national and international markets and employing more than 2,000 people.