DEPARTMENT store retailer John Lewis is expanding its presence in Sussex with a new distribution centre which will create 60 jobs.

The 50,000 sq ft distribution customer delivery hub is part of a commercial property deal hailed as the biggest in Uckfield for more than 25 years.

John Lewis and Evander Properties have signed for a 3.9 acre serviced site on the Ashdown Business Park at Maresfield.

The new distribution warehouse will service John Lewis department stores in Kingston and Bluewater and John Lewis ‘at homes’ in Croydon, Chichester, Tunbridge Wells and Horsham.

The good news comes as business leaders in Brighton and Hove struggle to find commercial and office space.

Construction is due to commence this month and it is hoped that the warehouse will be ready for occupation in the Autumn of 2016.

John Lewis and Evander Properties were represented by Vail Williams LLP of Crawley.

Chris Lawson, partner of Lawson Commercial, who acted for the Vendor, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have been able sell the first plot on the Ashdown Business Park to such a well known and leading UK business.

"It is tremendous news for the town of Uckfield and I hope that it will attract other businesses to the Ashdown Business Park. We already have negotiations in hand with other businesses on two of the remaining nine plots.

"The only other building of a comparable size in the area is Crowson House on the Bellbrook Estate which is just over 50,000 sq ft and currently occupied by the Pureprint Group and which was constructed in the early 1990s."

Wealden MP Nus Ghani said: "John Lewis is a fantastic household name, and I’m not at all surprised that it has chosen Wealden as the home for its new distribution hub. The creation of 60 new jobs is a massive boost, and John Lewis’ decision will hopefully encourage more national and international businesses to move to Uckfield and the surrounding area.’