Beta Marine head for Waterwells in Million Pound deal
Beta Marine a Stroud based marine engine specialist are relocating to South Gloucester having recently bought a building at Quedgeley. The property was on the market at £1.45 million. The new property is 18,000 sq ft and comprises detached industrial unit situated on The Perry Centre on the well established Waterwells Business Park.
Beta Marine are due to move in August and employ 38 staff. Robert Smith from ASH & Co the Gloucester based commercial property consultants that handled the sale commented "Beta Marine have been looking for some time for the right building and this relocation will allow them to expand the business and improve their location links to the national motorway network." (21/7/2006)
ST MODWEN TO DEVELOP £10 MILLION
WAREHOUSING SCHEME IN GLOUCESTER
St Modwen Properties PLC has secured planning consent to develop a £10 million-plus speculative warehousing development at Quedgeley West Business Park, Gloucester.
This follows the success of the first phase of the park where Prestoplan, a subsidiary of Taylor Woodrow, will take occupation of a 94,000 sq ft building.
Construction of the 120,000 sq ft development, one of Gloucester's largest ever speculative warehousing schemes, will begin in January and will be completed in September. The development comprises six high quality units, ranging from 11,500 sq ft to 32,000 sq ft.
Rob Skelston, senior development manager, of St Modwen, said: "We have decided to construct the multi-unit second phase on a speculative basis because of the limited availability of good quality similar sized accommodation in the Gloucester and Stroud areas, and the apparent level of unsatisfied occupier demand.
"Prestoplan has proved the attractiveness of the location and the time is right to provide a range of units for medium-sized operations. It is one of the most prominent business parks along the Gloucester stretch of the M5 and will attract interest from local occupiers as well as national organisations seeking a regional presence.
"After this phase we will still have the ability to provide 300,000 sq ft of additional space on either a bespoke basis or through a further speculative phase."
Quedgeley West Business Park is a quarter of a mile from Junction 12, M5 at the southern edge of Gloucester. It is highly accessible for the local workforce and for access to the motorway and A38. (06/07)
Property News South West – May 2007
Driven by the GHRUC, the regeneration of Gloucester City Centre is now building a promising momentum with the completion of the South West By-pass imminent and Quays Development finally seeing activity.
Attention has been turned to other areas of the ‘Magnificent Seven’, in particular the Kings Square which is situated around the Bus Station. The recent commitment here by Morley Fund Management and Thornfield Properties should hopefully bring further confidence to the city centre which has often been considered inferior to its illustrious neighbour.
On the outskirts, the well publicised success of the business parks goes from strength to strength with further speculative office and industrial schemes planned at Js 11 and 12, ensuring owner occupiers and investors alike will continue to have ample opportunities to consider.
Unfortunately the supply of new land/stock is limited in other areas of the County, in particular Cheltenham with only one speculative industrial development available at Neptune Business Park. This scenario may soon be replicated in Tewkesbury due to the successful take up at Tewkesbury Business Park and the requirement for commercial land in both areas will no doubt be in much debate in the near future.
The Budget has brought changes on rates liability with the business rates relief on empty office and retail buildings reduced and more worrying for the speculative schemes, the introduction of charges on vacant industrial space. Only time will tell the effect these increased holding costs will have on the future speculative developments in Gloucestershire?
Developers will have to seriously consider whether to build speculatively and similarly investors may be detracted from buying property as these additional charges will significantly increase overheads should they become vacant. In addition occupiers, who vacate properties they no longer require, will be faced with bills for unwanted space.
In the meantime, 2007 has witnessed promising levels of commercial activity for both new build and the limited amount of second hand stock currently available and this will hopefully consider for the foreseeable future.
Major Manufacturing Site For Sale in Gloucester City Centre
ARJO, the Gloucester based company that specialises in providing patient handling & bathing equipment to hospitals and nursing homes is set to scale back operations at their site in St Catherine Street, adjacent to Gloucester Rugby Ground.
ASH & Co have been appointed to sell the site, which includes a manufacturing and office building of 73,000 sq ft and two further buildings, one used for storage, the other as a showroom. The total site area is approximately 3.7 Acres.
Pollyanne Schreuder, partner at ASH & Co, who is co-ordinating the sale, commented “The site is one of the largest manufacturing and office facilities in the City and offers good potential.
ARJO intend to retain their sales and support team in Gloucester, within part of the existing accommodation and so offer a secure rental income, which will certainly attract interest from investment companies. (12/5/2006)
Timescale Set for Gloucester Quays
Gloucester Quays, the major regeneration scheme that will transform a large area of Gloucester has received a recent boost as the Public Enquiry is now to be heard much earlier than expected. The Government have agreed to hold the Enquiry in the last week of November and it is hoped a decision will be made within three months thereafter. Public Enquiries can be notoriously slow and have caused considerable delays on other schemes such as The Cattle Market, which is now well underway.
In the recent weeks, the local MP, Parmjit Dhanda and the Chairman, Gregg Smith, of the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, have exerted pressure behind the scenes, asking the Government to “fast track” the enquiry, and it appears that their requests have paid off.
If the project does get the go-ahead, it will see a factory outlet, retail centre, a hotel, a supermarket and 1000 new homes. (23/8/05)
Gloucester Quays Sees Set Back
Peel Holdings and British Waterways have seen a set back to their Gloucester Quays redevelopment plan. Whilst the City Council have given unanimous support along with the local MP, the South West Region Development Agency and English Partnerships, The Deputy Prime Ministers Office has called in the application for determination.
The proposal is to transform derelict land close to the City Centre and canal network. The plans would see a factory outlet, a supermarket, hotel, bars and restaurants and 1,000 homes. It is anticipated that a decision is unlikely to be made for at least 12 months.
Peel Holdings commented that they were extremely disappointed with the news and that the set back comes at a critical time when the partners are working hard to secure the sustainable regeneration of this historic City. (15/6/05)
The Glenmore Centre, Waterwells Business Park
We are delighted to report the overwhelming success of The Glenmore Centre with around half of the units placed ‘under offer’ before a brick had been laid.
The Business Park, which is currently being developed by Glenmore Investments Ltd, will comprise 31 industrial/warehouse and business units ranging in size from 800 sq ft up to 5,500 sq ft, are offered freehold or leasehold.
The units, the first of which is due for completion in May 2005, will be of steel portal frame construction with profile metal cladding and part brick and block work walls. Each unit will be provided with a first floor storage area suitable for upgrading to office space and the majority will have additional glazing to help enhance the natural light throughout.
Simon McKeag, surveyor at ASH & Co stated, “The popular business location with good communication links and high quality of the proposed accommodation has helped attract a high level of interest in the development and, since the marketing commenced in October, half of the proposed units have been placed under offer. A number of companies acknowledged that the opportunity to purchase freehold units has been limited in recent times and moved quickly to ensure they didn’t miss out.”
06 December 2004
Gloucester Docks sees something different at Double Reynolds
Gloucester Docks is set to see the completion of a totally new concept for the City. Crest Nicholson, who have been refurbishing several of the redundant Victorian warehouses, are to provide three new live/work units in their refurbishment of Double Reynolds Warehouse. Work is well advanced and completion is set for the New Year. The units are designed to provide an apartment on the first floor, with a work area immediately below.
Robert Smith who is handling the sale of the properties, commented that, this is a unique opportunity for an individual who wants to work and live in the thriving area of Gloucester Docks. This is a totally new concept for the City, but perfectly compliments what is being achieved at the Docks, which is to bring vitality back into the City Centre. Prices start at £185,000.
The refurbishment of Double Reynolds is a joint project by the South West Regional Development Agency and Crest Nicholson. (24/9/04)
Duraflex Heads for Tewkesbury
Duraflex, the plastics extrusion company that manufactures the raw product for the fabrication of windows, doors, conservatories, etc. is now on site at Tewkesbury constructing their new headquarters facility.
The site, which is adjacent to the M5 Motorway and near to junction 9, offers a high profile location and, when completed, will comprise some 270,000 sq ft of manufacturing warehousing and offices. Duraflex occupy several sites in the county and the new premises allow them to consolidate under one roof.
St Modwen plc, the Birmingham based developer, co-ordinated the transaction and are developing the building for Duraflex. It will be completed in the third quarter of September 2004. (7/11/03)
BOOST FOR MANUFACTURING JOBS IN GLOUCESTER
ASH & Co, Commercial Surveyors, are delighted to report the sale of a purpose built industrial unit at Green Farm Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester to Turnbull & Asser Shirtmakers. Turnbull & Asser shirts are famous throughout the world for their quality. Their clients have included the Prince of Wales, Winston Churchill and the fictional spy, James Bond. They have been based in Gloucester for more than 30 years manufacturing from premises in Alfred Street.
However, they thought the time had come to relocate to a modern factory as their existing building was growing too old for their needs.
The property, at Green Farm Business Park has been built to their specific requirements by Barnwood Construction Ltd. Pollyanne Schreuder, Partner of ASH & Co advised the company on the transaction. “It was a pleasure to deal with a manufacturing company who are seeking to expand in the City. Industry has been in decline in recent years and additional jobs will be created securing employment for approximately 100 people in the area. The unit is some 10,000 sq ft and built to an extremely high specification. The unit forms part of a larger development with two units of some 4,250 sq ft currently available. There is strong interest in the remaining units and further sales are anticipated in the near future.”
Enquiries on availability should be made to ASH & Co on 01452 300433.(26/8/03)
West Hyde Stay in Nailsworth
West Hyde Enclosures Ltd, a Nailsworth based firm of computer cabinet manufacturers, have relocated to Nailsworth Mill Estate. They recently signed a new lease for premises extending to 21,700 sq ft. Until recently, West Hyde were owned by Tyco plc. The new owners see the merit in remaining in the area and taking advantage of the local labour force, this not only safeguards the existing business, but allows them to expand in the future.
Nailsworth Mill Estate is a well established commercial area extending to approximately 10 acres. Other occupiers include Fluid Transfer Systems, and Cavoflex. (23/8/04)
St Modwen Chosen as Redevelopment Partner
St Modwen Properties Plc is to carry out a £100 million redevelopment of a 92 acre site at Dursley, Gloucestershire.
The site was acquired by the South West Regional Development Agency in 2001 from the world famous engine manufacturer Lister Petter.
St Modwen will act as a joint venture partner and were appointed preferred bidder for the scheme in spring 2002. They are anticipating submitting a planning application for redevelopment this autumn.
The development will include the provision of 600 new homes and 250,000 sq ft of employment unit.
St Modwen are presently working on proposals to relocate three tenants on the site. (1/8/03)
Redevelopment of the Docks moves a step closer
Specialist Consultants have been working on the final details of a master plan for the redevelopment of Bakers Quay, Llanthony Wharf and Monk Meadow. They intend to deliver their proposals to the City planners in the next couple of weeks.
The development is being jointly promoted by British Waterways and Peel Properties and comprises approx. 60 acres of mainly derelict land.
At the heart of the scheme are plans for one of the country’s largest factory outlets in Britain which would be a massive draw for shoppers across the South West. A new £38 million College campus will be built next to Llanthony Priory expanding the City’s growing educational need. Also included in the scheme are plans for a Morrisons Supermarket, canalside housing, offices and workshops.
This scheme will require some £200 million of investment and when complete should create some 2,000 new jobs for the City. The development will be phased and it is anticipated that construction will commence in the summer of 2004 with the building of a lift up road bridge over the canal to extend St Ann Way. Simultaneously the Food Store and the College campus will be built.
John Whittaker chairman of Peel holdings said “Peel have a proven track record of major canalside regeneration projects and Gloucester represents not just another exciting opportunity but our flagship redevelopment scheme.” (8/5/03)
Latest Phase at Green Farm now complete
This month will see the completion of the latest phase of this highly successful Business Park. Developed by Brabon Properties owned by local businessmen, Steve & Ian Tandy, the Park has expanded rapidly over the past three years to provide high quality offices on the edge of Gloucester in a location set for major expansion.
Located at Quedgeley, just off the A38 by-pass, the Park is ideally situated to take advantage of local facilities as well as benefiting from considerable road improvements that have, or are occurring, in the locality. Junction 12 of the M5 has now been upgraded and the next phase of the South West by-pass will soon be under construction.
Brabon Properties saw the opportunity open up when they made the decision to relocate their offices to Green Farm in 2000 taking the gamble that Gloucester was set for growth and that it had a distinct lack of quality offices.
Initially, they developed 18,000 sq ft which was quickly let to Bruton Knowles and Millhouse Inns. A second phase was developed and Stephen Limbrick Architects and Office Depot International have so far taken occupation.
Phase 3 is larger, comprising some 17,700 sq ft arranged in four buildings. They are all self contained and fitted out to a very high standard to include full comfort cooling and raised access floors. (24/3/03)
Major Manufacturing and Office Complex sold
Quaker Chemical Limited have recently concluded a sale of their former manufacturing and office premises at Woodchester, south of Stroud. The site, extending to 3 acres, comprises approximately 20,000 sq ft of industrial and 7,500 sq ft of modern open plan office accommodation.
The site has been acquired by Ebley House Limited a locally based company specialising in investment and development. The new owners intend to let the accommodation either as a single entity or in parts. The site offers a number of opportunities for companies seeking either manufacturing/warehouse space or quality office accommodation. There are also plans to construct a range of new units on site.
Full details are available on our web site.(29/11/02)
Americans favour Stroudwater Business Park with two recent deals
Stroudwater Business Park, which is located within close proximity to Junction 13 of the M5 motorway, has seen two recent deals from American Companies.
Polaris Industries Limited has chosen the Park to locate its new UK Head office. It has taken a building, formerly occupied by Astra Tech Limited, who themselves relocated on the Business Park in October last year. The building comprises 8,600 sq ft of offices and warehousing. Amongst other things, Polaris manufacture and distribute All Terrain Vehicles and Jet Skis.
In a separate move, Schlumberger Limited has specifically commissioned 27,000 sq ft for a new manufacturing facility. It will be completed in February 2003 and is to accommodate a business that is being relocated from the U.S. Schlumberger are a major employer in the Stroud and Stonehouse area, having two other factories on the Business Park.
These companies join Automold, Greiner Laboratechnic, Unite plc and Maersk Medical on this highly successful Business Park.(16/8/2002)
Major Plans announced for Gloucester Docks
After several years of consultation with Gloucester City Council and the South West Regional Development Agency, British Waterways and Peel South East Limited have finally submitted an outline planning application for the redevelopment of an area of the Docks, to be known as Gloucester Quays, an area extending to some 60 acres. This stands as the largest, single regeneration scheme ever contemplated in the City and will include the construction of a canal bridge, the completion of the inner relief road, a new educational campus for Gloscat, a superstore and over 1,000 new homes, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. The scheme also incorporates a 200,000 sq ft designer outlet centre.
Whilst development of this scheme is clearly a long term project, both the South West Regional Development Agency and British Waterways are currently showing serious commitment to the Docks area. The South West Regional Development Agency with their recent acquisition of the Crest Nicholson leasehold interest of the main Docks Basin, and British Waterways by the £1 million refurbishment of Alexandra Warehouse on the West Quay. British Waterways themselves will be relocating and occupying the ground and first floors of the newly refurbished building, with the remainder available for letting on the open market. The surplus accommodation is to be marketed by ASH & Co, who are also managing agents for the South West Regional Development Agency and British Waterways in the Docks area.
27/5/02
GOOD NEWS FOR FOREST FIRM
Positive news has recently been announced at the troubled Xerox plant in the Forest of Dean.
BMJ International, a locally based firm, has stepped in to provide a major cash injection. BMJ has been secretly negotiating with the firm for a number of weeks.
Brain Bennett, company chairman of BMJ, has vowed to turn the site into a Business Park and hopes to provide hundreds of local jobs.
Xerox announced in October last year that 1,000 jobs could go from the plant. (4/1/02)
Ikea eye up Gloucester
Ikea the famous Swedish retailer which has had considerable success in the UK is eyeing up Gloucester for a new store. Their nearest stores in Bristol and Cardiff are so busy that customers often leave before paying for their goods.
A new store in Gloucester would be strategic as it would help to alleviate the congestion.
Several sites are under consideration, however the company realises that it will take some time to obtain a suitable planning consent and has set itself a 5 year deadline.
Locally the proposals are welcomed and there is no doubt that it would give a major boost to the local economy. (12/2001)
Crest Nicholson the developers that have transformed Gloucester Docks over the past 15 years have announced the sale of their interest to the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).
This sale believed to be in excess of £5 million allows SWRDA to hasten the regeneration of Gloucester Docks and the whole Western Waterfront Scheme from Westgate Bridge to the Peel Centre.
Crest Nicholson will also be future development partner to the Agency and are keen to commence refurbishment of Albert Warehouse.
ASH & Co who manage the Docks on behalf of Crest are pleased to confirm that they have been retained by the Development Agency and look forward to the new chapter that is about to begin at Gloucester Docks. (2/11/2001)
Construction work has now commenced to upgrade junction 12 of the M5 Motorway.
This ends years of campaigning by local residents who have suffered severe delays on short journeys.
An additional sliproad will be provided for traffic joining northbound and also for traffic exiting southbound.
The upgraded junction will boost the communication links in this part of Gloucester and help to further establish the aleady successful Business Parks such as Green Farm and Waterwells.
The construction will take some 15 months and the Highways Agency estimate that there will be 3,000 fewer cars travelling on the roads in Qudegeley and Hardwicke.(19/10/2001)
A major building project nears completion at Stroudwater Business Park, close to junction 13 of the M5 motorway.
Astra Tech Ltd part of the AstraZeneca Group are soon to move into 24,000 sq ft of purpose built warehouse and offices. The move represents rapid expansion for the company which is relocating from elsewhere on the Business Park. They leave behind 8,500 sq ft which was also built for them in 1992.
This new building kicks of the next phase of the development and opens up a further 8.5 acres of prime commercial development land (28/9/2001)
