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.
Real estate adviser CBRE has made seven senior promotions at its Birmingham office.
Anne Walsh, Richard Connolly and Richard Brown have been promoted to senior director, while Raj Bains (operational real estate), Ross Jones (building consultancy) and Luke Thacker (industrial and logistics) have made the step up to director.
Walsh joined CBRE’s hotel advisory team in 2015, with a focus on the regional UK hotel sector. She advises private and public sector clients on all stages of a hotel’s lifecycle, from inception through to trading.
Connolly joined CBRE’s valuation team in 2006. He specialises in commercial property valuations for a range of clients, including major banks and lenders, institutional funds and property companies.
Meanwhile, Brown is a member of CBRE’s national planning and development team, based in Birmingham. He has worked in planning for more than 20 years, both in the public and private sectors.
In addition to the senior promotions, Beth Pywell and Dan White have advanced to associate director; Louise Peart and Toni Sohpal to senior surveyor; Sam Shaw and Kim Lewis to surveyor and Melissa Marton to personal assistant.
Will Ventham, head of CBRE Birmingham, has also been made up to executive director.
He said: “This latest round of promotions demonstrates the strength and breadth of talent we have at CBRE, at all levels of the career spectrum, from surveyors to senior directors.
“Whilst it’s important to recognise and reward the efforts of those at a senior level, it’s equally important to be nurturing talent at a more junior level, and I’m pleased we have struck that balance with the promotions we have made.”
Engineering consultancy company Clarkebond has established an office in the North East, following a major contract win.
The Bristol-headquartered company, which already has offices in London and Exeter, has set taken space at Innovation Central in Darlington after winning work on SeAH Wind’s offshore wind monopile factory at Teesworks.
Anthony Hoare has been appointed regional director, and will be responsible for developing the firm’s newest office, which now employs four engineers and technicians.
As new contracts are secured, the company expects to recruit more people and expand into a larger premises.
Hoare said: “Our work on the SeAH Wind factory was the catalyst for Clarkebond’s Northern expansion.
“The company has recognised how up-and-coming the area is. The huge investment in projects including government offices like the Treasury is a great indication of the confidence and potential of the area and we can’t wait to be a part of it.
“We can already see lots of opportunities to get involved in new projects within our specialist sectors including residential, industrial and healthcare.”
Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clarkebond to Innovation Central as part of their business growth journey. This new site offers even more options to businesses looking to expand into our region and take advantage of the many benefits Darlington has to offer in terms of facilities, skilled workforce, connectivity and transport links.
“With the continued development of Darlington Railway Station and the opportunities offered by the relocation of several government departments to form the Darlington Economic Campus, our borough is well and truly open for business.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is another superb example of how our work to transform Teesworks is not only bringing benefits directly to the site but also to our wider local economy as we attract quality companies to set up base in our area.”
An electronics manufacturer has relocated to a new HQ in Poole, taking more than 20,000 sq ft of space to house its 65-strong team.
CT Production has signed a ten-year lease on the detached industrial unit at 20 Broom Road.
Located by the retail and leisure Tower Park complex, the 21,602 sq ft premises – which includes a two-storey office block and a workshop – will serve as the company’s UK headquarters.
Property consultancy Vail Williams acted for the landlord of the leasehold unit, a private property investment company.
CT Production, established in 1982, will relocate from 39-40 Harwell Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate.
Mario Morilla, managing director at CT Production, said: “Demand for CT Production’s products, in the UK and internationally, has happily meant relocation to larger premises was required.
“We are grateful to Vail Williams for making the lease process a smooth one and look forward to continuing to grow the business in our new HQ at 20 Broom Road in Poole.
“My commitment to increasing our capabilities through new technology and building our team, will ensure that we are always ahead of our competitors, our new premises being a visible statement of our ambition.”
David Cowling, a partner at Vail Williams working out of the firm’s Bournemouth office, led the deal on behalf of the landlord.
He added: “The lease signing represents one of the largest industrial property deals of its kind in Dorset this year and shows the importance of manufacturing in the BCP conurbation – 20 Broom Road will serve as CT Production’s new head office, the company having outgrown its original premises.”
In a separate instruction, Vail Williams has been instructed to market a neighbouring, detached 44,151 sq ft industrial/warehouse unit at 22 Broom Road.
A commercial property in Nottingham let to a branch of card factory has been acquired in an off-market transaction brokered by Landa Associates.
Nijjar Group Ltd has acquired 226-228 Southchurch Drive, Clifton, which includes retail accommodation on the ground floor and a hairdressing salon on the first and second floors.
Neighbouring occupiers include Boots, Greggs and Lloyds Bank.
Nijjar Group, third-generation family property company headed up by experienced investor Kam Nijjar, is a longstanding client of Landa Associates director Sunny Landa.
Nijjar said: “It was a pleasure to work with Sunny on this transaction. He was instrumental in getting the deal over the line, as I knew he would be after our many years of working together.
“Clifton has a lot of potential, retail wise, but it needs fresh thinking to make it work. That is what we aim to bring, and Sunny understood this from the word go. His advice was invaluable.”
Landa added: “Kam is one of the leading lights of the Nottingham property scene, and as ever it was a huge honour to work on his behalf.
“This deal shows that off-market transactions are still very much achievable provided investors are willing to listen to an expert.
“It pays to bring a knowledgeable advisor on board. You can rest assured your future investment is safe and will meet your company’s objectives.”
Bowcliffe Chartered Surveyors acted for the unnamed vendor.
An engineering, management and development consultancy has taken space in a prominent Leeds building in one of the biggest office transactions in the city so far this year.
Mott MacDonald has taken a ten-year-lease on the fifth floor of 26 Whitehall Road, which is owned by Credit Suisse Asset Management.
The Leeds office agency team of Knight Frank, led by partner Eamon Fox, brokered the deal for the 15,500 sq ft grade A office space.
Eamon Fox, who advised Credit Suisse Asset Management, said: “This is a very significant deal, underlining the fact that 26 Whitehall Road is one of the finest office buildings in the city. It already boasts some high-profile occupiers, including Yorkshire Post Newspapers, global consumer finance business International Personal Finance (IPF), energy company Engie (formerly GDF Suez) and Sky.
“These occupiers underpin the quality of 26 Whitehall Road and its excellent location. It has an enviable combination of low running costs, high-tech features, quality design and superb office space. It is also one of the most energy efficient buildings in Leeds and has recently been refurbished.
“This deal, one of the largest of the last three months, also emphasises the strength of the Leeds office market, which has proved remarkably resilient in the face of the challenging economic climate.”
Lisa Littlefair, Leeds City lead for Mott MacDonald, added: “Following the continued growth of our business as we deliver work across West Yorkshire and nationally, we’re pleased to be expanding our base in Leeds city centre.
“Being in the business district of the city, between Temple Quarter and Wellington Place, our new office will continue to benefit our staff with excellent local facilities and good travel connections, whilst also offering a contemporary space that fosters a spirit of collaboration and creativity.”
Property consultancy Knight Frank has made five promotions at its 76-strong Newcastle office.
Following 11 years at the business, property asset management specialist Elizabeth Fletcher has been promoted to partner.
Fletcher’s team manages more than 20 million sq ft of commercial space in the region, from industrial estates to multi-let offices.
Elsewhere, Fliss McDermott has been made senior service charge accountant, with David Anthony promoted to senior client accountant.
The firm has also promoted Nathan Douglas and Will Prowse to senior surveyors, working in the office agency and building consultancy teams respectively.
Fletcher said: “I am absolutely delighted to be acknowledged in this way for doing the work that I love. I would like to thank our clients and my colleagues for their support over the years and I am looking forward to seeing what the next chapter with Knight Frank in the north east will bring.”
Head of office Peter Bowden added: “It’s always a happy time of the year when Knight Frank announces its promotions across the UK. Beth, David, Fliss, Nathan and Will are thoroughly deserving of their new positions and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can achieve.”
A West Yorkshire hotel once owned by Leeds United legend John Charles has been put up for sale.
Property consultancy Christie & Co is marketing the Gomersal Park Hotel and Spa.
Formerly owned by Leeds United legend John Charles, Gomersal Park Hotel has been expanded and transformed into an 89-bedroom hotel, function and wedding venue. It features the Dream Spa, which was built by the current owner Michael Downs in 2015 and was recently voted one of the best spas in the North of England.
The hotel sits on a five-acre site, which includes 150 car parking spaces, lawned areas and its own pond, along with several versatile and interchangeable function suites. It is located just off the M62 motorway.
The Dream Spa at Gomersal Park comprises a large heated swimming pool with sauna and changing rooms, a mud Rasul steam room, an open-air spa bath, a nail bar and eight individual treatment and beauty rooms. There is also a gymnasium and restaurant.
Income from the spa and gym accounts for more than 30 per cent of the hotel turnover and is also a key contributor to overall hotel footfall.
Michael Downs said: “I am very proud of the hotel, its staff and its reputation as one of the main venues in the region. The addition of the Dream Spa has not only helped to offer something special for our guests and members but has also made a huge difference to trade and profits.
“I am a reluctant seller but the time has come for me to step away from the business, which offers a new owner a very good opportunity with great profits as well as excellent forward bookings for weddings, functions and room income.”
Mark Worley, hotel director at Christie & Co, added: “It is rare that a hotel of this magnitude comes to the open market and so we are excited to offer Gomersal Park for sale. The massive population hub in which it sits, its proximity to the road and rail network, as well as Leeds Bradford Airport, plus the excellent levels of trade, make this a great purchase for a hotel or hospitality group.”
A drone maker has agreed a deal with property consultancy FHP to bring its first UK outlet to Birmingham.
DJI has signed a five-year lease on 2,800 sq ft of leisure/retail space at 2-6 Corporation Street, in Birmingham city centre.
The DJI | Hasselblad experience store will occupy the ground and basement floors of the six-storey building, which lies in a prominent trading position on the junction with New Street, opposite Apple. Previously occupied by Vodafone, it had been vacant for more than three years.
The unit will become DJI’s first UK outlet and the only combined DJI | Hasselblad experience store outside of the Far East.
Majid Shah of DJI | Hasselblad said: “We are very pleased to have worked with FHP to secure this excellent location for our first DJI | Hasselblad experience store in Europe.
“Birmingham is a young and vibrant city with major brands that attract a high footfall but it also offers more cost-effective rent than comparable units in London.
“We are hopeful that the new store will perform well and have plans to explore other openings in the UK in the near future.”
FHP director Oliver Marshall added: “We’re thrilled to bring two huge global brands to Birmingham city centre. DJI and Hasselblad are iconic names in visual technology and it’s exciting that they have chosen the city to launch their first experience concept in Europe.
“2-6 Corporation Street benefits from an attractive glazed frontage on the corner of New Street, in close proximity to Grand Central and New Street Station. Its location nearby several established national occupiers provides DJI | Hasselblad with an ideal base from which to grow its UK presence.”
Chris Gaskell of Johnson Fellows acted on behalf of the landlord, Birmingham City Council.
DJI | Hasselblad Birmingham is expected to open on Saturday 5 August 2023 following an internal fit-out and will create at least six jobs.
A pair of Barnsley care homes have changed hands in a deal brokered by property consultancy Christie & Co.
Chapel View and Field View, which occupy the same site in Mapplewell, Barnsley, provide care for 39 and 40 residents, respectively. Both homes are rated by the Care Quality Commission as ‘Good in all areas’.
The homes have been operated by Panaceon Healthcare Ltd since they were acquired through Christie & Co more than eight years ago.
Following a confidential sales process with Jonathan Wickens at Christie & Co, they have been purchased by Wood Care Group, which now operates seven homes in the North of England.
Aditya Jain, director at Panaceon Healthcare Ltd, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved in Barnsley with Chapel and Field View care home. Having bought these homes eight years ago, we have managed to turn both into vibrant and thriving care homes, providing exceptional care. Both homes are now rated ‘Good’ by the CQC with quality staff and stellar reputations.
“We could not have done any of this without the support from BMBC, our residents, our staff, and our other stakeholders. Both Barnsley and Chapel and Field View care homes will forever be close to our hearts, but we believe that we have found the right buyers in Wood Care Group which already has a presence in the area and Andrew and his team have the passion and ambition to take this business forward. They are deserving custodians of the legacy we have created.
“We promise all our staff, residents, and contractors a seamless transition and consistency of service.”
Andrew Wood, director at Wood Care Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Chapel View and Field View Care Homes to our group from Panaceon Healthcare. We look forward to working with the teams to continue to provide outstanding care for our residents.”
Jonathan Wickens, director – care at Christie & Co, added: “It has been a pleasure working with the Directors of Panaceon Healthcare and we wish them well for the future. Wood Care Group is well known to us at Christie & Co, as the group acquired all seven of its homes through us and we feel very confident that they will continue the fantastic service that has been provided by Panaceon.
“The care home market remains very active in the north of England, with multiple bids being received on several of the homes we are currently marketing. Despite uncertainty over interest rates and rising operational costs, there remains a strong resilience across the sector.”