Clowes Developments commence construction of a 100,000ft² manufacturing facility at Castlewood Business Park for Parker Knoll.

Work has now started on site at Castlewood Business Park, one of the East Midlands prime industrial and distribution locations in the East Midlands, just off Junction 28 of the M1 and the A38 for the construction by Clowes Developments of a 100,000ft² facility for Parker Knoll, the internationally renowned produces of hand crafted upholstery.

The deal concluded brings another household name to Castlewood to add to the growing list of occupiers which include Co-op, UDG, Bombardier, Meridian Lightweight Technologies and Midland Aerospace, taking the total occupation to six units totalling over 1,000,000ft².

With other deals progressing and with over 60 acres of land left for development agents Tim Gilbertson of FHP and Ranjit Gill of Savills are hopeful of announcing further new deals shortly.

The latest deal to forthcoming occupier Parker Knoll will see them transfer their existing manufacturing operation from Somercotes to Castlewood, thus retaining their skilled workforce, modernising and improving their facilities still further and offering an even better product for their clients utilising cutting edge design whilst retaining years of skill and tradition.

Donna Bellingham, Commercial Director of Parker Knoll commented:

“It’s an exciting time for Parker Knoll and we are really looking forward to moving our operations to Castlewood Business Park. The ground breaking at the new site was a truly moving day for all involved, having seen the business grow from strength to strength over recent years.

Castlewood is set to provide a fantastic base for us, with great transport links and modern technologies, enabling us to further expand the brand” 

Development Director from Clowes Developments, James Richards, who oversaw the deal commented:

“We look forward to seeing the progress of Parker Knoll’s new facility over the coming weeks and anticipate handing over the keys before the end of the year.

Already 2015 is shaping up to be a great year for Castlewood and we hope to announce news on further deals soon.

However, we still have plenty of land available for occupiers from 15,000ft² upwards and our agents would be delighted to hear from any potential occupiers to discuss.” 

Tim Gilbertson of FHP who agreed the deal with Parker Knoll commented:

“What a pleasure it has been to see yet another household name relocate to Castlewood.  I am delighted to see the first sod cut on site and work start on this facility which we expect to hand over in the final quarter of 2015.  The deal sees yet another local occupier modernise and improve their facilities whilst retaining their strong and highly skilled workforce on what is proving to be the East Midlands prime manufacturing and distribution location.

Castlewood really is flying at present and we hope to announce other deals shortly but still have capacity to offer occupiers a new home to purchase or rent from 15,000ft² or upwards for any manufacturing, industrial or distribution company.”

For further information on Castlewood then please contact Tim Gilbertson at FHP on 0115 9507577.

Following the recent letting of Unit A6 Cramner Road to FTT (UK) Limited, FHP have let the final unit to Comex 2000 Limited.

Unit A5 extends to some 5,526 ft² and was refurbished by the landlord to a high specification.  Shortly following completion of these works, terms were agreed for a new lease to Comex who had a requirement for storage premises to complement their head office on Pride Park.

Tim Richardson from FHP comments:

“Our clients took the sensible decision of refurbishing these units to a high standard and this investment has paid off in that their estate is now fully let and at rents that reflect the level of works put into the property”.

Neil Smith from Comex commented:

“The property was well presented and ready to move into which, together with its convenient location, made the decision easy for us”.

Paula James, of London and Cambridge Properties, which owns and manages the properties, said:

“West Meadows in an exceptionally well placed industrial estate on the edge of Derby City Centre, which traditionally has made it very popular for a range of businesses that require excellent transport links.

We are delighted that the estate is now fully let and at rents that FHP advised us would be achieved reflecting the investment we have made in the properties.”

Tim Richardson from FHP added:

“We are now experiencing a shortage of good quality, well located industrial premises on both a freehold and leasehold basis and are struggling to satisfy local demand”.

For further information contact Tim Richardson at FHP: 01332 224 857

Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to bring to the market a rare opportunity to purchase a prime warehouse or potential industrial unit on Lenton Lane in Nottingham.

Set in a prime location on Finch Close, considered by most to be the best position in Nottingham, the unit sits just off Nottingham’s Ring Road and therefore within quick access of the centre of Nottingham, by both car and public transport, with the additional tram line running close by as well.  The unit has a substantial site with large car park to the front elevation, rear yard and additional land for expansion, subject to planning consent.

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“This is a very rare visitor to the market as we have the opportunity to sell a unit here which has just under 100 years unexpired at a peppercorn rent and therefore offers a much sought after opportunity to purchase in a prime position.  It has been some years since a unit was last sold on this estate and strong interest is expected, particularly as the building benefits from a large site offering, subject to planning, scope for extension of the building or car park and indeed external storage.

Hopefully we will achieve a quick sale on the building and therefore I would urge any potentially interested parties to contact me as soon as possible.”

For full details on the unit and to arrange a viewing please contact Tim Gilbertson on 0115 9507577.

As a result of the forthcoming expansion and relocation of our clients, Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to bring to the market very rare opportunities to purchase individually or combined four prime warehouse or potential production units on Forest Business Park at Bardon Hill in Leicester.

Set just off Junction 22 of the M1 units to buy on this estate become available very rarely and strong interest is expected in each of the buildings on offer.

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“I am delighted to put these four properties to the market as demand in this region is always strong and even from initial marketing we are generating interest quickly.

The buildings sit in a prime location just off the Motorway at Junction 22, accessed via the A511 and each is presented in very good order.

Mark Smithson of Marks Electrical commented:

“We are moving our facility to a larger unit due to our ongoing expansion plans but will leave the Bardon units with great sadness.  These have been fantastic buildings for us to work from, offering simple warehouse space in a superb location just off the M1 at Junction 22.

No doubt the eventual new owners of the buildings will equally love the location and the quality of the buildings.”

Two of the warehouses benefit from securely fenced and gated yards and I would urge any parties wishing to view or discuss to contact me as soon as possible.

For further information or to make arrangements to view please contact Tim Gilbertson or his colleagues Tom Szymkiw and Darran Seven on either 0115 9507577 or 01332 34322 or drop an email through to tim@fhp.co.uk.

IM Properties has unveiled proposals for Nottingham 26, a new business park close to the M1 motorway in Nottinghamshire. One of the biggest privately-owned developers in the UK, it has delivered a series of large-scale industrial developments across the Midlands, among them Birch Coppice – one of the first speculatively-built developments in years.

Nottingham 26 will see four large industrial units built on a site off the A610 at Eastwood, only a mile from Junction 26 of the M1. They include a 460,000sq ft distribution centre likely to attract a national or regional occupier.

In total, IM Properties is proposing to build more than 800,000 sq ft of space at the site and has demonstrated its belief in the location’s potential by commencing site access work before tenants have signed up. It is thought that Nottingham 26 could support more than 2,000 jobs when completed, and will have a value in excess of £60 million.

The project will be delivered on IM Properties’ behalf by First Industrial, a specialist in large-scale industrial development projects. Simon Jenkins, Development Director at First Industrial, said: “Nottingham 26 is a site that has enormous potential and the fact that there is an experienced team behind it means that it is more likely that potential will be fulfilled. IM Properties is one of the most well-known names in this sector, while the team at First Industrial is one of the most experienced in the market.”

IM Properties is a major player in the market for distribution warehouses, with a portfolio worth £1 billion. Kevin Ashfield, Senior Development Director at the company, said: “Despite our scale, we have a small management team which allows us to move quickly when we see opportunities. We have been refining our plans at Nottingham 26 for some months but believe that now is the time to proceed.

“We have started on the infrastructure at the site, which should be a sign to potential occupiers of our commitment. We think we are going to get at least one sizeable occupier at Nottingham 26, because it is accessible and has a good catchment for employment. In the long-term it is not difficult to envisage 1500-2000 jobs on the site.”

He added: “I think we will see the first prelet on the site later this year, enabling us to start construction next year.”

The development is being marketed by John Proctor, a Director of the Nottingham property consultancy FHP. He says the rise of the distribution market has been a key driver of employment growth in the Midlands.

“This is a major development which is likely to deliver significant economic benefits,” he said. “In the long-term, it has the capacity to support more than 2,000 jobs, and when you put that together with the employment created by similar developments up and down the M1 you can see that large-scale distribution centres have been a substantial windfall for the local economy.”

Nottingham 26 follows in the footsteps of developments like the M&S distribution centre at Castle Donington, which employs 2,000 people in its own right, and the Cooperative Food Distribution Centre at Castlewood Business Park near Junction 28, where around 1,000 people work.

John Proctor added: “Nottingham 26 will enjoy similar advantages to these already-occupied sites. It will have its own access to the A610 and its proximity to the M1 means that is hooked in to vast regional and national markets, with connections to the A38 and the M42 only a short distance away.

“A strategic location is crucial to the operators of major distribution centres, but the buildings on Nottingham 26 will be in a range of sizes designed to suit both national operators and expanding local businesses.”

Besides the 460,000 sq ft distribution centre, the site will also feature a 182,000 sq ft building and two smaller properties of 88,000 and 82,000 sq ft.

First Industrial managed the development of both the M&S distribution centre and the Co-operative Food facility. Simon Jenkins added: “This is a very significant scheme which is extremely well-located, not just because of its motorway connections but also because it gives occupiers access to a pool of labour in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire which is well-suited to distribution and logistics activity.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

John Proctor at FHP Property Consultants on 0115 950 7577

At a time when there is a noticeable improvement in demand for commercial space throughout Leicester and supply is extremely poor, Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to confirm the sale of substantial premises on Euston Street forming part of the Freemans Common Industrial Estate.

With the sale now concluded, it has brought into line once more the lack of supply in demand throughout not only Leicester but also the East Midlands, particularly from parties looking to purchase but also from those looking to rent accommodation as well.

The deal concluded saw any number of alternative buyers left disappointed validating the thought that the commercial market locally is certainly strong at present.

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“I was delighted to agree this deal on behalf of our long term clients, London & Cambridge Properties.  What this deal clearly underlined is the improvement in the market place with deals now only being frustrated not due to lack of demand but due to lack of supply.

With any number of potential buyers and occupiers disappointed at not being able to secure this property I have a ready database of probable buyers or tenants and if any landlords or vendors are looking at placing their property on the market then I would be delighted to hear from them in the hope that we can satisfy some of the pent up demand unearthed by our marketing of this opportunity.

Asset Manager from London & Cambridge Properties, Andrew Barrett, commented:

“The unit at Euston Street provides real potential for any occupier, thanks to its good size and facilities, as well as its proximity to Leicester City Centre and its superb links to the inner and outer ring road network.  The quick sale and number of potential buyers certainly indicates that the commercial property market is on the up in the East Midlands.” 

For further information on the deal or to see how FHP could help you sell or let your premises then please do not hesitate to contact Tim Gilbertson on 0115 9507577.

The start of 2015 has seen a flurry of lettings resulting in full occupancy at Ecclesbourne Park, Alfreton.

Ecclesbourne Park Industrial Estate is a popular estate of 16 industrial units arranged in three terraces providing a range of units of unit sizes from 2,900 ft² to nearly 10,000 ft².

Following the letting of Unit 9 to W King Precision and Unit 12 to Todays Wholesalers, the final unit of 9,968 ft² let within a very tight timescale.

Tim Richardson from FHP comments:

“The rapid take-up of these 3 units is illustrative of the current market conditions, with well positioned modern premises securing tenants within a reasonably short timescale. We are now experiencing a supply side shortage, with few good quality units remaining available and a knock-on effect being a growth in rental figures”.

“Indeed, across the industrial sector we are seeing a shortage of good quality premises either for sale or to let and this is presenting a problem for companies looking to expand”.

Joint agents in the Ecclesbourne Park scheme are FHP and Innes England

As a result of the relocation of our clients, Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to offer a rare chance to rent high calibre warehouse premises with two storey office accommodation on the much favoured Bardon Industrial Estate just off Junction 22 of the M1 Motorway.

The unit is immediately available and offers modern accommodation with clear span warehouse space interlinking with high calibre two storey office accommodation.

With the benefit of an extensive yard, the building extends to approximately 804m² (8,660ft²).

Strong interest is expected given the complete lack of available stock in the region and any parties wishing to view should contact either myself or Tom Szymkiw on 0115 9507577.

Hot on the heels of the letting of Units A3 and A4 Cranmer Road, FHP are pleased to confirm the completion of the letting of Unit A6 and terms being agreed on the final unit A5.

Units A3 and A4 extending to some 11,165 ft² were let in August 2014 to CSM Garage Services, and terms were agreed shortly thereafter on Unit A6 to FTT subject to a programme of refurbishment to be undertaken by the landlords. Units A6 extends to approximately 5,500 ft² and a new 6 year lease was agreed, with completion of the lease taking place upon completion of the works in December.

Refurbishment works were also undertaken at the same time on Unit A5 and during the course of these works terms have been agreed for a letting of this unit. Further details will be released in due course.

Tim Richardson from FHP comments:

“Our clients took the sensible decision of refurbishing these units to a high standard and this investment has paid off in that with the completion of Unit A5 their estate will be fully let. We have achieved rents reflective of the works based on £5.25-£6.00 per ft² depending upon size and position within the estate”.

Paula James, of London & Cambridge Properties, which owns and manages West Meadows, said:

“West Meadows is an exceptionally well placed industrial estate on the edge of Derby City Centre, which traditionally has made it very popular for a range of businesses that require excellent transport links,”

She said.

“The investment we have made in the estate has made it an even more attractive offering and we are pleased that we are now welcoming new tenants and that it will soon be fully let”.

West Meadows fullFor further information please contact Tim Richardson at FHP on 01332 224 857.

FHP Property Consultants are pleased to announce further success at West Way on the popular Cotes Park Industrial Estate in Alfreton.

The site was acquired in early 2014 by PMW Developments, who undertook a programme of refurbishment. At an early stage they secured Permaroof UK Ltd who took a lease on the first unit totalling 23,801 ft². Permaroof relocated from smaller premises of around 9,000 ft² on Venture Crescent, which were subsequently sold by FHP.

Units 2 and 3 at West Way totalling some 43,628 ft² have recently been let to Strata Products resulting in full occupancy of the existing building.

PMW Property Developments have also now obtained planning permission for a new industrial/warehouse building of circa 30,000 ft² on the site. This is capable of subdivision into smaller units if needed.

Tim Richardson of FHP comments: “Our clients are proposing to speculatively construct this building which will have an eaves height of 8m, 6 level access doors and good quality offices. The building will be made available on either a freehold or leasehold basis”

WestwayFurther details can be obtained from either Tim Richardson at FHP in the Derby office on 01332 343 222 or Tim Gilbertson at the Nottingham office on 0115 950 7577.

A fast-growing industrial location in the East Midlands is sitting back and relaxing after one of the most famous names in high-quality British furniture revealed plans to open a 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility on the site.

Parker Knoll, famous for its hand-crafted British designs, is to open a major new facility at Castlewood, the business park on the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire border that has been developed by Clowes Developments.

Parker Knoll has an incredible 145-year history and has become recognised as one of the most well-known brands in locally designed and manufactured fine furniture, ranging from classic sofas to chairs and recliners.

The new two-storey building will accommodate manufacturing of Parker Knoll’s upmarket furniture along with associated offices and storage space.

Parker Knoll is the latest in a series of expanding manufacturing businesses to sign up to Castlewood Business Park, joining a number of supply chain companies who work with manufacturing giants like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover.

Its new building will also be alongside large-scale logistics facilities run by supermarket giant Co-op Food and pharmaceutical distribution firm UDG.

Donna Bellingham, Brand Director of Parker Knoll, said: “We are very pleased to be expanding our manufacturing facility with the move to Castlewood Business Park. This new site provides a fantastic new manufacturing base for the Parker Knoll brand, and we look forward to sitting alongside the high calibre of names that will also occupy the site.”

The deal to bring Parker Knoll to Castlewood Business Park was completed by Tim Gilbertson, of the Nottingham property consultancy FHP. He has been involved in all the major deals on the site, including those which brought manufacturers Meridian Lightweight Technologies, Midland Aerospace and Bombardier to the site.

He said: “All the talk about activity along the M1 corridor has been about the opening of large-scale distribution warehouses and Castlewood has one of the biggest in the region in the shape of the Co-op. But it is also playing in part in helping to deliver balanced economic growth by enabling some important manufacturing businesses to expand.

“The best part of one million square feet of space at Castlewood is now occupied by some very impressive names. What’s really encouraging is the fact that we are also taking to a number of other major occupiers about further development on the site.”

James Richards, of Clowes Developments, says the continuing success of the site is testimony to its location and Clowes’ experience in delivering buildings which meet clients’ specifications and timescales.

“Economic conditions have been challenging for everyone over the past few years, but Castlewood has continued to attract occupiers because this is one of the strongest locations for logistics and manufacturing in the East Midlands,” he said. “It connects directly to the A38, linking businesses to the M1, the Mansfield-Ashfield Regeneration Route and the A1. In other words, you can reach regional and national markets easily and quickly.

“We have been committed to delivering quality here right from the start and that is reflected in the calibre of the people who are now based here. We’re delighted to welcome Parker Knoll as one of the most famous names in furniture.”

With more than 1,000 people now based at Castlewood Business Park, Tim Gilbertson says plans are also being drawn up to develop on-site facilities which could include a restaurant and petrol station.

FHP Property Consultants are pleased to bring to the market a rare opportunity to acquire substantial secure yard space together with offices, stores ad workshop space.

The total site area is approxiamtely 0.9 acres gross, and includes hard surfaced and fenced yard space.  There are single storey buildings on-site comprising offices, together with staff amenities and worksop/storage space totalling some 3,933 ft².

The building occupies a prominent roadside position on Heanor Road, between Heanor and Loscoe.

Whilst previously ised for storage purposes, the site may be suitable for alternative uses, subject to planning.

The property is available to let by way of a new lease for a term to be agreed.

For further information please contact the agent, Tim Richardson at FHP on 01332 343 222.

Acting on behalf of long term clients Tim Gilbertson is pleased to confirm the letting of substantial warehouse space on Glaisdale Drive.  

Offering mid range stock but with the benefit of car parking to the front elevation and a large secure rear yard, the building has been let to local occupier Worktop Fabrications Limited to assist their continued growth and expansion.

Tim Gilbertson commented: 

“Having dealt with this building on behalf of our clients many times over the years it is pleasing to see another successful letting of the property.  It certainly continues the positive feel of the Nottingham industrial and warehouse market that was in place at the end of 2014 and further success with the disposal of a building of nearly 15,000ft² in the New Year can only help boost confidence further.  

It is equally pleasing that that deal concluded is to an expanding local company, Worktop Fabrications Limited and we wish them well with their future expansion.” 

John Bryant, Managing Director of Worktop Fabrications Limited commented: 

“Worktop Fabrications Limited are pleased to add the unit at 9 Glaisdale Drive, to their manufacturing capability.  The additional space acquired will enable us to develop our current business further and into new markets for the company.  We are intending to develop a facility to service the local Granite and Quartz market.” 

For further information on this deal or to discuss how we can help you with the disposal of your premises please contact Tim Gilbertson at FHP on 0115 9507577.

Hot on the heels of the letting of Units A3 and A4 Cranmer Road, FHP Property Consultants are pleased to confirm the completion of the letting on Unit A6 and terms being agreed on the final unit A5 on the West Meadows Industrial Estate.

Units A3 and A4 extending to some 11,165 ft² were let in August 2014 to CSM Garage Services, and terms were agreed shortly thereafter on Unit A6 to FTT (UK) Ltd subject to a programme of refurbishment to be undertaken by the landlords.  Unit A6 extends to approximately 5,500 ft² and a new 6 year lease was agreed with their agents NG Surveyors, with completion of the lease taking place upon completion of the works in December.  FTT are a Florida-based aerospace company specialising in engineering, developing and testing of turbines who took space in the Connect Derby office scheme in 2014.

Robert Ress from FTT said “We are excited to have secured a property which will allow us to build the demonstrator rigs locally to our engineering office in the City centre.”

Refurbishment works were also undertaken at the same time on unit A5 and during the course of these works terms have been agreed for a letting of this Unit.  Further details will be released in due course.

Tim Richardson from FHP comments:

“Our clients took the sensible decision of refurbishing these units to a high standard and this investment has paid off in that with the completion of Unit A5 their estate will be fully let.  We have achieved rents reflective of the works based on £5.25-£6.00 per ft² depending upon size and position within the estate.”

Paula James, of London & Cambridge Properties, which owns and manages West Meadows, said:

“West Meadows is an exceptionally well placed industrial estate on the edge of Derby city centre, which traditionally has made it very popular for a range of businesses that require excellent transport links,” she said.

“The investment we have made in the estate has made it an even more attractive offering and we are pleased that we are now welcoming new tenants and that it will soon be fully let. ”

Jimmy Drew from Marketing Derby added “’After selecting Derby ahead of other locations last year as their UK base, it’s great to see FTT UK Ltd going from strength to strength and expanding further by taking this additional space at the West Meadows Industrial Estate”.

For further information please contact Tim Richardson at FHP on 01332 224 857.

On behalf of private clients, FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to market 2 modern industrial/warehouse units within Securiparc on Wimsey Way, Alfreton.

Securiparc provides occupiers with a secured fence and gated site, which enjoys excellent access to the A38 dual carriageway and onwards to Junction 28 of the M1.  Unit 2 extends to 499m² (5,367ft²) and offers a further 220m² (2,372ft²) by way of a steel mezzanine.  Unit 6 measures 392m² (4,222ft²).

Both units are finished to a high standard and have potential for a variety of uses including a trade counter use.  They are available to let on new leases direct with the landlord.

For further information or to make arrangements to view please contact Darran Severn on 01332 343 222 or our joint agents Innes England and Richard Savage.

Set in one of Nottingham’s traditional industrial locations, FHP are pleased to bring to the market 7,736ft² of industrial space in Basford, immediately available on a new lease. 

With the benefit of extensive car parking to the front elevation and separate rear access and small yard, the building is to be refurbished by the landlords and a new lease offered. 

At a time when stock levels are low, strong interest is expected in this building.  

For further information or to arrange a viewing please contact Thomas Szymkiw or Tim Gilbertson on 0115 9507577.  

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants has recently finalised the letting of 421 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston to Enterprise Rent A Car, who will be creating a car hire depot from the premises which has prominence to Nottingham Road on the entrance to Ilkeston Town Centre.

The premises are currently being fitted out to Enterprise Rent A Car’s requirements and the depot should be up and fully running by Spring of 2015.

END

In a market where there is a real lack of good quality warehouse/production space, Tim Gilbertson of FHP is delighted to bring to the market a prime unit on Observatory Way in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, set within moments access of the A38 and Junction 28 of the M1 Motorway. 

Located opposite Sutton Parkway Station, the unit is immediately available on a new lease or alternatively our clients may consider a sale. 

The building offers a rare chance to secure a prime unit which is fully fitted and offers detached accommodation with its own car park and yard, set in an ideal location just off the A38 within minutes access of the M1 Motorway.  

Fully fitted throughout, the building is well specified and clearly offers a saving to any occupier as the warehouse benefits from heating and lighting plus fitted two storey offices.  

With a large self contained yard, early interest is sought in what is a prime opportunity. 

For further information or to arrange a viewing please contact Tim Gilbertson at FHP on 0115 9507577.

Sea Otter House, StaverleyFHP Property Consultants are pleased to announce the sale of modern industrial premises in Staveley.  The property, known as Sea Otter House, has been sold to AWI, a family of complementary British companies leading in the design, manufacturing, installation and servicing of load sale, weighting systems and traffic monitoring systems.  The company previously had premises on the Sheep Bridge Lane in Chesterfield and the acquisition heralds an expansion for the company.

The property extends to some 9,559 ft² of modern production space and sits on a large site.  It is located on the Ireland Industrial Estate in Staveley, having good access to junction 29a of the M1 Motorway.

Tim Richardson from FHP commented: “the freehold market is quite buoyant and detached premises such as these rarely stay on the market for long, particularly when they have a large enclosed yard.  Once the terms had been agreed the sale was turned around within a tight timescale”.

Michael King Commercial acted on behalf of the purchasers.

For further information please contact Tim Richardson at FHP in the Derby office on 01332 343 222 .

Expanding East Midlands businesses wanting to make the most of a growing economy helped a Nottingham surveyor hit the million mark last year. 

Tim Gilbertson, a Director in the industrial team at FHP Property Consultants, has personally sold or let 1.1 million square feet of industrial space during 2014 – one of the highest figures he has ever recorded. 

The deals have involved expansion among major PLCs, large national businesses and ambitious limited companies, with firms operating in the all-important manufacturing sector at the forefront of demand for space. 

Gilbertson says the 1.1 million square feet of space was spread across a total of 32 separate deals in the East Midlands. 

This is a smaller number of deals than he saw during some of the boom years.  But he said: “I’ve done more than 50 deals in a year before, but many of those involved smaller occupiers taking perhaps 5-10,000 sq ft of space.  This time round it has been fewer deals but with each involving occupiers taking significantly larger amounts of space.” 

While the market for industrial premises has been dominated by retailers looking for distribution warehouses, Gilbertson says that most of his deals related to manufacturing and engineering businesses, some working in the supply chain for global premium car maker Jaguar Land Rover. 

Many occupiers were looking for 50,000-100,000 sq ft of space or more, with two deals involving manufacturing companies taking 110,000 sq ft. 

Gilbertson said: “There’s a potentially positive picture underneath all this because my hope is that the expansion of these larger businesses will trickle down to the smaller suppliers who work with them.  That could encourage an increase in demand for smaller industrial space and build some momentum for new development. 

We really need that because the dynamics of property development are still quite challenging.  Getting people to build without an occupier signed up involves a leap of faith at the best of times, but these upfront costs are rising by the week at the moment because of inflation in the building industry. 

So the message needs to get out there – we’re in the fastest-growing part of the UK and the opportunities are there, but people need to act fast and be flexible about the way deals are structured to make things happen.” 

He added:  “One thing that has helped is the attitude of Local Authority Economic Development Teams. They might be struggling with funding, but most Local Authorities are trying to assist and indeed I have the recent experience of Ashfield, Bolsover and Mansfield trying to give help where it counts by getting planning through as quickly as they can on a new unit scheme.” 

Evidence of how far the commercial property market has moved on since the downturn ended in 2013 can be seen in the reduced incentives landlords are willing to offer potential occupiers, with rent-free periods built into deals falling and rents and capital values rising. 

Gilbertson says that 2015 is shaping up to be another million square foot year: “It’s definitely possible,” he says. “I’ve got some significant deals already proceeding and it looks to me like they will be larger transactions. 

“I know there is further demand out there and I am really keen to hear from property owners interested in putting their sites on the market.  The mismatch between occupiers wanting to expand and available sites means there are strong opportunities to create real value.” 

For further information please contact Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants on 0115 950 7577.

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the letting of Terrence House, a mixture of offices and warehousing close to Nottingham City Centre.  The property has been let to Precision Stitching Limited; a Nottingham based technical textiles and manufacturing company dealing with custom embroidery and upholstery.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants who concluded the letting commented:-

“Precision Stitching approached us with a requirement for extra space following positive trading over the last 12 – 18 months and therefore required substantially larger premises to cope with their expansion”.

“Relocating from Thornfield Industrial Estate they have negotiated a lease with an option to purchase on this premises and I wish them every success in their business going forwards”.

END

I joined FHP in 2014 having previously worked for a surveying practice in West London focusing on office and industrial/warehouse instructions within close proximity of Heathrow Airport. I now form part of FHP’s Office and Industrial Team working from the Derby office where I focus on the sale, leasing, acquisition and development of office and industrial premises in strategic locations along the M1, A50 and A38 corridor across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and the wider East Midlands.

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the sale of the final two units on Colliery Road in Pinxton on behalf of Cooper MEDC Limited.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants commented:-

“The client contacted us two years ago with a substantial vacant property which they previously occupied in Pinxton looking for a strategy for disposal.  Given the size of the premises and the nature of the site it was suggested that the property was broken up into individual saleable parts and the final sales of the unit have now been concluded with three deals having already been achieved”.

“I am delighted that we have achieved this end result for the client and also given the buildings a new lease of life with the new occupiers who have purchased the units for their own businesses”.

END

FHP Property Consultants have recently secured a new tenant on behalf of Sports Tech Limited for the industrial premises at Unit 2 Griffon Court in Ilkeston’s Quarry Hill Industrial Estate.  The new tenants are Credit Car Sales Limited who will operate from the premises in addition to their existing site in the local area.

Lucinda Hancock of FHP Property Consultants who concluded the letting commented:

“We were instructed by new clients, Sports Direct Limited, to market this property during late 2014 and I am delighted that the letting has now been finalised with Credit Car Sales Limited.

This letting illustrates the improving optimism which we are seeing in the Ilkeston industrial market where the 2,750ft² Unit 2 Griffon Court deal was agreed within weeks of marketing commencement.

The most recent lettings have resulted in a lack of supply in the area for industrial premises in the region of 2,000ft² and tenants now have fairly limited options when seeking premises in this area”.

Chris Reid, Director of Sports Tech Limited commented:

“Thanks for everything – I hope we do business again and that it’s a speedy process like this one”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Lucinda Hancock of FHP Property Consultants on 07557 972 449 or lucinda@fhp.co.uk.

Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to confirm the letting of high calibre warehouse space on the ever popular Langham Park Development at Trent Lane in Castle Donington.

Offering prime accommodation of just over 10,000ft², set in a superb location just off the A50 within minutes access of the M1 and East Midlands Airport, the deal concluded sees a unit of 10,600ft² let to locally based company, Kintetsu World Express for their continued expansion.

Tim Gilbertson who dealt with the deal commented:

“I was delighted to see this building let to Kintetsu on behalf of our client.  From our landlord client’s perspective this provides a good quality tenant for their superbly specified and located unit whilst equally it enables Kintetsu to continue with their expansion and growth.  We wish them well for the future. 

Hopefully the market in this area is moving and we have interest in two other units that we are currently marketing on the estate, although no deals agreed as yet.

Therefore any party wishing to lease high calibre warehouse or production space still has an opportunity to secure either of the buildings which extend to just over 4,000ft² and just over 5,000ft² respectively.

I would be delighted to her from any party who might be interested in these buildings accordingly.”

For further information on the deal or to make enquiries regarding the two remaining units on the estate please contact Tim Gilbertson on 0115 9507577. 

Acting on behalf of long term clients, Falcon Panel Products, Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP, has acquired a further base for their continued expansion throughout the Midlands, agreeing a leasehold acquisition of space in West Bromwich of just over 23,000ft². 

Having previously acquired space for Falcon in the East Midlands this is a further success story for the company as they continue to grow their expanding business.  

Tim Gilbertson commented: 

“Having first linked up with Falcon over 10 years ago it has been an absolute pleasure again to deal with them on this particular instruction as has always been the case in the past.  The fact that we acquired additional space for them for their continued growth is even more pleasing and hopefully we will have a chance to do the same again in the future. 

Acquisition work is often undervalued by clients and in this case I would like to think that our involvement not only saved our clients substantial time and hassle but most pertinently of all secured them a far better deal than they would have expected to achieve if they had negotiated the terms of the new lease themselves.  

Market knowledge is always valuable and in this instance hopefully secured a substantial saving for our clients as a result.  

I am always keen to undertake further acquisition work for clients and would be delighted to discuss the role with any potentially interested parties”. 

For further information on the transaction or indeed how Tim Gilbertson can assist with the acquisition of premises for your property in the future then please do not hesitate to call on 0115 9507577. 

Broughton Plant Hire have purchased industrial premises in Alfreton to facilitate their expansion. FHP Property Consultants acted on behalf of the vendors in the transaction and were pleased to attract interest in the building and a successful sale at an early stage.

The property extends to some 9,042ft² and benefits from excellent access to the A38, a few minutes’ drive from junction 28 of the M1 motorway. FHP acted on behalf of Permaroof, who relocated to larger premises nearby. Adrian Buttress of Permaroof commented “following our relocation unit B1 was surplus to requirements and we instructed FHP to achieve a disposal for us. Whilst a letting was an option, we preferred to sell the building and this has been accomplished within a prompt time scale.”

Broughton Plant Hire opened a depot in Sandiacre in 2010 and are specialist suppliers to the heating, ventilating and fire protection trades. Joe Zammit from Broughton Plant Hire says “unit B1 Venture Crescent met our criteria in terms of size and accessibility to the road network. We will be undertaking some refurbishment before moving in in the New Year.”

Tim Richardson from FHP Property Consultants added; “Freehold industrial premises of this size are few and far between. We were expecting good interest and are delighted to have secured a sale at the expected price and in a timely manner.”

For further information contact Tim Richardson at FHP: 01332 343 222

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to have been instructed to market workshop premises with offices/trade counter having the rare benefit of an extensive yard area. The premises were previously used as a builder merchants, and prior to that as a vehicle workshop. The premises have excellent road communications being approximately 2 minutes’ drive from junction 1 of the A50, which leads directly to junction 24A of the M1 motorway.

The premises are available to let by way of a new sublease for a term to be agreed at a quoting rent of £29,750 p.a. The building extends to some 6,317ft² on a site of approximately half an acre.

For further information contact Tim Richardson at FHP on: 01332 343 222

Acting on behalf of long term clients of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, Tim Gilbertson of FHP is pleased to confirm the letting of the final available unit on this scheme.

Set in a superb location, forming part of Glaisdale Park Industrial Estate and therefore within quick access of both the centre of Nottingham and the A610 leading to Junction 26 of the Motorway, the deal agreed sees an existing tenant Art Systems expand and take additional space on the scheme with a further unit of 15,000ft² now let to them.

This deal is particularly pleasing given that this is the last available unit on the estate and somehow neatly sums up the industrial/warehouse market in the region at present in that demand is improving and stock continues to be in short supply.

Tim Gilbertson of FHP who dealt with the letting, commented:

“Having let to Art Systems their original units on the estate some years ago, it was a pleasure to deal with them through their agents Innes England again and conclude the letting of further space on the estate of just over 15,000ft².

A success story is always good to see and their expansion is proof of the improving economic conditions and the fact that demand is rising for commercial property across the board whilst supply remains poor.

From our client’s perspective the deal now brings their ownership up to full occupation once again and therefore this is a great deal all round for all parties.

Again we wish Art Systems well and I hope that I might do a further deal with them in another few years time when they are ready to expand again!”

For further information on this deal or to see how FHP can help you let your premises please contact Tim Gilbertson on 0115 9507577.

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