Planning consent being secured for a 53,000 sq ft building on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has been hailed.
Approval was granted for the Dexter Building in June, with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) set to occupy it upon completion.
The planning consent also includes breakout areas inside and outside of the building for staff and visitors, enhanced landscaping and tree planting, and car and cycle parking provision.
National property consultancy Carter Jonas secured consent on behalf of Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
Katherine Jones, associate partner of planning and development at Carter Jonas, said: “Carter Jonas is involved in planning widely across Harwell Campus – from strategic planning through to individual applications such as this.
“A specialist nuclear cluster has emerged at Harwell, and consequently, there is ongoing demand for space. We are pleased to have played a part in fulfilling this requirement.”
Monika Zemla, director of leasing and business development at Harwell Campus, added: “Dexter will be occupied by NDA, whose crucial work will pave the way for the realisation of our masterplan vision and will enable further expansion of our globally renowned science community.”
Having managed and submitted the planning application, Carter Jonas will continue to be involved through the discharging of the planning conditions.
Plans for a 79,000 sq ft commercial development in Slough – which would be expected to bring forward “a number of jobs” if it secures approval – have been revealed.
The application concerns land on Horton Road, which currently comprises a pair of assets: Valerie House and Jupiter House.
Valerie House is a detached three-storey building containing approximately 45,000 sq ft of storage and distribution uses and ancillary offices, while Jupiter House is a two-storey asset comprises about 27,350 sq ft of storage and distribution, light industrial and ancillary offices.
The site benefits from extant permission, granted in April 2022. This is for 78,790 sq ft of commercial floorspace over six smaller units.
A planning statement drawn up for the new venture notes that this provides a “clear legal fallback” having established that an “intensified employment use is acceptable and is an important part of the sites baseline in the consideration of this planning application”.
An updated application – for 78,910 sq ft of commercial floorspace has now been submitted in response to occupier demand for HQ and last mile distribution centres to the west of London, which are built to grade A standards and high ESG credentials.
The statement said: “At present, based on market intelligence, there is a very limited supply of units between 50,000 – 100,000 sq ft and a greater supply of smaller units in the local market.
“Due to proximity to Heathrow Airport, a number of potential occupiers have requirements location-critical to the immediate area and which currently cannot be satisfied due to the lack of supply.
“This updated application submitted is in direct response to that need.”
The new venture would comprise a warehouse, ancillary office, five loading dock doors, a two-level access door, seven HGV parking spaces, 59 car parking spaces and 20 cycle spaces.
The statement added: “There is a very strong and compelling planning case for approving the proposed development without delay.”
One of the main reasons given for this was the scheme being “clearly a sustainable form of development” that would “deliver a number of jobs on site during the construction and operational phase”.
“The application demonstrates that there will be no adverse impacts which significantly and demonstrably outweigh the planning benefits,” it said. “It is, therefore, concluded that for the reasons set out in this planning statement, there is a compelling case in favour of the grant of planning permission.”
The new chair of Locate in Kent has been appointed.
David Brooks Wilson is the chairman and chief executive of Noble Wilson Ltd, an international property consultancy and real estate advisory firm.
He will serve a three-year term in his new role, replacing Susie Warren-Smith.
Deputy chair Andrew Griggs said: “David is an experienced business owner who knows what it takes to grow a successful business in Kent. He is perfectly placed to support Locate in Kent’s ambitions.
“I am delighted that he has been appointed to become chair and I look forward to working with him and the board as we continue our mission to attract more business investment and jobs to the region.”
Brooks Wilson added: “As a business location, Kent and Medway has so much to offer.
“We have world-class food producers, grower and farmers, a successful science-based research organisation, a thriving arts sector and a beautiful coastline. In addition, we have fast rail connections to both London and Europe.
“Along with the board and staff, we will continue to attract more investment and jobs to the county and support our growing talent pool and excellent universities. Kent has a great story to tell, and we want new businesses with the right vision, innovation and drive to join us.”
Locate in Kent is the official inward investment agency for Kent and Medway. It provides free support to employers setting up, expanding or relocating to the region.
A landmark office building in Southampton has reached full occupation for the first time in its history after an extensive refurbishment programme attracted a string of tenants.
Kingsbridge Estates purchased 2 Charlotte Place in 2019 before investing in several improvements, creating features including shower changing facilities, secure bicycle shelter, a new glazed reception area, business lounge, better access and collaborative spaces.
The refurbishment also included sustainability work, which raised the building’s Energy Performance Rating (EPC) from C to B.
Since then, the nine-storey, 80,000 sq ft building has attracted a string of lettings. The latest – a fully fitted office on the fifth floor to sustainability consultancy ERM – brings the site to full occupancy for first time since it was built 20 years ago.
Rachel Lacklison, asset manager at Kingsbridge Estates, said: “Our work at 2 Charlotte Place is a prime example of our commitment to creating exciting and dynamic spaces, adding value to a local landmark building and creating an exceptional office environment.
“Having recognised the huge potential of the building, our significant investment proved instrumental in bringing high calibre businesses into the heart of Southampton.
“We are proud to have reached complete occupancy and look forward to playing our part in the continued success of all the businesses that have made 2 Charlotte Place their home.”
ERM joins occupiers including Utmost Wealth Management, law firm Hugh James, infrastructure consultancy AECOM, streaming services business MediaKind and law firm Clyde & Co.
Realest and Vail Williams acted as agents for Kingsbridge Estates at 2 Charlotte Place, with Realest advising on the ERM deal.
Steve Williams, director at Realest, said: “Our building surveying department, led by Robert Haynes, project-managed the various refurbishments and fit-outs within the building to enhance its offering to the market.
“Our subsequent appointment as joint letting agent has enabled a close collaborative working relationship across our internal business lines but also with our client and our joint agents.”
“2 Charlotte Place is a perfect example of what can be achieved when a landlord is willing to invest and adapt to market conditions. The enhancements have future proofed the building and it is testament to Kingsbridge Estates that the building is fully let for the first time in 20 years.”
Nik Cox, a partner at Vail Williams in Southampton, added: “The fifth floor had never been let until Kingsbridge Estates came in and subdivided the space into three suites as plug-and-play deals.
“This is where the landlord undertakes the fit-out works and provides furnished units so occupiers can move in immediately, with the costs spread over the term of the lease rather than being paid upfront.”
West Sussex-headquartered engineering consultancy Ricardo has acquired a water and natural resources advisory firm.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Aither Pty’s purpose is to help governments and businesses “make better decisions about globally significant issues relating to water and natural resources”.
Its 51 employees are based mainly across Australia but it also has advisers located in the US, UK, France, Ireland and New Zealand.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Ricardo has acquired a 90 per cent shareholding in Aither Pty from founders and co-directors Chris Olszak and Will Fargher for a cash consideration of up to £17m, of which £9.6m was paid on completion.
The deferred consideration is based upon the achievement of certain performance targets for the 10 months ended 31 December 2023 and the retention of the former owners of the business.
The deferred consideration can range from nil to a maximum of £7.4m.
The remaining 10 per cent shareholding will be acquired on the second or third anniversary of the acquisition closure date, using the same EBITDA multiple as the deferred consideration, subject to a maximum.
The deal is designed to allow Ricardo to “scale its capability in resilience and adaptation” to realise opportunities for growth related to climate adaptation, ESG, carbon and natural capital.
Chief executive Graham Ritchie said: “The market for Aither’s services is growing rapidly given the scale of water and natural-resources challenges globally, which is increasing recognition of the need for specialist economics, policy and strategic advice.
“With the acquisition of Aither, we will be able to expand our capabilities across the entire water value chain, as well as in natural resources, climate resilience and adaption – allowing Ricardo to serve a greater range of our clients’ needs globally.”
A private equity real estate investor has acquired the long leasehold interest of a site on a Portsmouth industrial estate in a multimillion-pound deal.
The 40,436 sq ft Silver Point building at Airport Service Road, Hilsea Industrial Estate, was sold to Paloma Capital for £4.5m.
Vail Williams advised on the sale, with Russell Mogridge – who leads the company’s industrial agency team in the UK and works out of the Portsmouth office – acting on behalf of Silver Point’s owner, a private investor.
He said: “This is one of the largest commercial property investment sales of its kind in the Portsmouth for some time and underlines how industrial and logistics property remains a safe haven for income-focused investors amid the UK’s heightened economic pressures.
“Silver Point, constructed in 1995, is particularly appealing, being in a highly accessible location close to the M27 Solent Corridor and Portsmouth International Port, on a self-contained site and yard space. The railway station is adjacent, for commuter convenience.”
Jeremy Collin, director and lead asset manager on Paloma’s Dove Property Fund, added: “We are particularly pleased with the purchase of Silver Point within the Dove Real Estate Fund, which adds to our existing Portsmouth holding at nearby Interchange Park.
“Paloma continues to see Portsmouth as an attractive industrial location in which to invest.”
Law firm Blake Morgan acted on behalf of the seller.
Silver Point’s occupier is Contract Candles & Diffusers, which works with brands in the luxury and home fragrance sector.
A pair of commercial property agencies are set to merge, with the deal galvanising their market share across the Thames Valley.
Haslams Surveyors LLP and Sharps Commercial will join forces from 1 March 2023.
The merger will enable the Reading-based companies to consolidate extend resources and widen their market intelligence, with the new entity trading as Haslams Surveyors LLP.
The deal is also designed to give both companies a stronger hold on the sale, letting and development of commercial property across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire.
Neil Seager, managing partner at Haslams Surveyors LLP, said: “We have long recognised a synergy of vision and quality with Sharps Commercial. In joining forces, we can better ensure all our clients gain the advantage of our personal, focused and forward-thinking approach across an even wider spectrum of property services.”
Alec White, director of Sharps Commercial, who becomes Haslams Surveyors’ equity partner, added: “With the combined breadth of knowledge and experience that this merger presents, our two firms are in an unrivalled position to best serve the needs of occupiers, landlords, investors and developers in their commercial property acquisitions and disposal projects across the Thames Valley.
“With unparalleled access to occupier requirements throughout the region, we will be ideally placed to monitor rental and investment values in key Thames Valley centres and the wider South East, matching clients’ properties to market demand.”
Details of the advisers who worked on the deal were not disclosed.
Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond has appointed a new head of agency and office in Bedford.
Nathan George takes over the role as the company is expanding its operations in the town and moving to a larger office suite.
He joined Kirkby Diamond as a surveyor in 2013 and was later promoted to associate in 2021 in recognition of his continued performance and team ethic.
“It is an honour to take over running of the Bedford office, picking up the baton from Andrew Clarke who is a prolific operator across the commercial property market and has been a key influence in developing my career over the past ten years,” said George.
“We have exciting times ahead of us with the move to new offices this month. I am predicting another busy year for the team as we continue to advise longstanding clients, build new client relationships and assist local businesses to fulfil their commercial property requirements.”
Eamon Kennedy, executive partner and head of agency at Kirkby Diamond, added: “Nathan has been a tremendous asset to our company since joining us ten years ago.
“I am therefore delighted to announce that he is taking over the role of head of office in Bedford and I am sure he will lead the team to even greater success.”
Revised plans to transform a former dairy depot in Hove into a mixed-use development are set to go back before committee.
The application relates to a vacant commercial site located to the north of The Droveway.
It is a locally listed heritage asset comprising single-storey, early 19th century out-buildings associated with a larger dairy farm, and was used as a commercial dairy depot for many years until 2016.
The dairy depot use of the site continued until it was vacated and put up for sale. Some demolition and site clearance have taken place.
On 7 July 2021, members of the council’s planning committee voted to approve plans to transform the site into a mixed-use development comprising of 19 properties and commercial space, including the erection of a new northern wing, a central wing to the courtyard, on-site car and cycle parking, and associated works.
Following the initial decision, the applicant sought to instruct a new architect and professional consultancy team to review the approved scheme and identify opportunities to “improve the external design and enhance the layout of the scheme where appropriate”.
The predominant differences between what is being proposed this time round and the approved scheme relate to site and internal layouts, elevations, roof design, materials, fenestration, amenity space, landscaping, cycle and bin storage.
The bulk of the detail remains the same.
At pre-application stage, it was advised that the reformatting of the site “offered the potential to create better amenity spaces and improve the quality of living accommodation”.
The new application is set to go before Brighton & Hove City Council on 1 February, with a recommendation for approval.
A former hotel near Lewes in East Sussex is set to become a drive-to outlet of coffee chain Starbucks.
The plans follow the acquisition of the Newmarket Inn by property consultancy Vail Williams on behalf of Cobra Coffee, owned by the Southern Co-op group.
The purchase price remains undisclosed.
The 8,150 sq ft building – with a car park for 55 vehicles – sits on a site of more than an acre on the A27.
Vail Williams senior surveyor Mikael Goldsmith, based in Crawley, said: “Vail Williams were tasked with securing and acquiring this rare, prominent site for which there was a high degree of interest in a competitive situation.
“We were able to capitalise on our intimate market knowledge and extensive contact base to secure this on behalf of our client
“Freehold roadside premises and sites such as the Newmarket Inn are hard to find in Coastal Sussex, with only a handful of transactions taking place in the last decade. We therefore remain active in sourcing similar properties for clients.”
Portsmouth-based Southern Co-op is a regional co-operative operating more than 300 food, funeral and Starbucks coffee branches across the south of England.
Vicky Newman, senior portfolio manager, added: “This is a perfect location which is sure to trade well. We are looking to give the property a new lease of life and make sure it remains part of the county’s valuable hospitality industry.
“We will ensure that the building is sensitively altered for a new drive-to location which is scheduled to be launched in the late spring of 2023.”
Andrew Halfacree, director at Brighton-based Flude Property Consultants, acted for the vendor, Hatley Estates.