CUBE RE lets recently acquired Warrington logistics unit as part of its industrial portfolio expansion

CUBE RE (Cube), on behalf of the Hathaway Opportunity Fund, its joint venture with the NFUM, has completed the letting of Hathaway 89, Warrington, an 89,214 sq ft logistics unit located in the prime logistics area of Warrington, Cheshire.

The newly developed, Grade A building was acquired in September 2024 with vacant possession as part of Cube’s expansion of its industrial and logistics portfolio.

A lease was completed to Oak Tyres UK Limited, a leading distributor of car tyres in the UK. The building was taken to expand Oak Tyres’ operation in the North West.

Nic Lowry, Investment Director at Cube, says: “We are really pleased to have let Hathaway 89, Warrington to Oak Tyres, following the acquisition the vacant property in September. This latest acquisition and letting follows on from our purchase of Hathaway 32, Poyle which was acquired and successfully let to C.H. Robinson, the third-party logistics company, within 4 months.

“We continue to look to acquire more investments for the Hathaway Opportunity Fund in the industrial and logistics sector, and with the repricing of land and stabilisation of build costs, we are keen to explore development sites in strategic locations.”

Peter Cross, Commercial Director at Oak Tyres says: “Adding this new warehouse to our existing network will both bolster our overall storage capacity, and boost our service offer across North West England. Omega South is a prime distribution location - well connected to the local motorway network - and places us a step closer to tyre retailers in Warrington, Wirral, Merseyside, and Cheshire."

Hathaway 89 is a Grade A logistics unit benefitting from a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC Rating of A+. The building is situated on Omega Boulevard in Lingley Mere. With easy access to the M62, Manchester, Liverpool and beyond, other major occupiers in the area include Amazon, Asda, Hermes, Travis Perkins and Royal Mail.

Williams Sillitoe, CBRE and B8 Real Estate advised Cube on the letting and Avison Young represented Oak Tyres. TT&G advised Cube on the acquisition of the Property. Gowlings WLG represented Cube on both the acquisition and letting.

Sutton's Chancery House attracts new tenant

CLS Holdings, advised by SHW, has welcomed Agility ECO to Chancery House in Sutton, completing a new lease with the local firm.

Agility ECO, part of M Group Services, will be relocating within Sutton to take part of the second floor at Chancery House, comprising 4,711 sq ft of high-quality office space, on a new 10-year lease.

Thomas Tarn, Associate at SHW, says: “CLS’s strong commitment to improving the offering at Chancery House, over the period of their ownership, has made this to ‘go to’ office building in the town for professional firms seeking quality, professional office space.”

Acquired by CLS in 2015, Chancery House has undergone a contemporary refurbishment programme, benefitting from significant investment into this prime town centre business space. The 55,000 sq ft office building now has new lifts, refurbished entrance and common parts, along with new showers cycle racks and disabled WCs, plus EV charging points. The building benefits from a zero carbon emission certified supply, with electricity fully supplied by 100% natural renewable sources.

Oscar Smith, Asset Manager at CLS says: “Sustainability is an integral aspect of our purpose to transform office properties into sustainable, modern spaces that help businesses grow and we are pleased to be able to welcome Agility ECO to our building.”

Following this latest letting, further availability within Chancery House includes the remainder of the 2nd floor (2,163 sq ft), the newly refurbished part 3rd and 4th floors (2,418 sq ft and 2,261 sq ft) and the option to take the whole 4,807 sq ft 8th floor, refurbished to a landlord base specification to suit the occupier.

CLS are represented by SHW and Chase Sinclair Clark. 

Sutton has seen extensive investment in the town centre in recent years including a new 131,500 sq ft Sainsburys supermarket at the bottom of the town and the construction of Sutton Plaza including a new Ibis hotel adjacent to Sutton Rail Station together with a swathe of new homes. The pedestrianised High Street which has 2 major shopping centres -St Nicholas and Times square-has a wide array of national retailers including M&S, Boots Waterstones and Flannels and an excellent selection of food and beverage offerings for occupiers. Sutton Station provides Southern services to London Victoria and London Bridge, and Thameslink services to Wimbledon, London Blackfriars and beyond. The town centre also features an extensive bus service.

 

Immaterial comes to Canmoor’s Accelerator Park

Canmoor has completed a new letting at Accelerator Park, Sawston, with Immaterial taking occupation of Unit 3 of Phase 1 of the scheme, previously known as South Cambridgeshire Business Park.

The Cambridge-based clean technology company, specialising in highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has taken the 12,529 sq ft business unit, comprising 11,445 sq ft of warehouse space with a 1,084 sq ft office, as part of their expansion plans as they continue their work to make carbon capture and hydrogen storage more economical and sustainable for industrial customers.

Phase 1 of Accelerator Park comprises a modern campus of 13 highly specified units, suitable for a variety of R&D and production uses. Immaterial will be joining Echion Technologies, Pulpex and other occupiers in the ownership including Biocair and Cambridge University Hospital NHS.

Sam Walker, Director of Canmoor, says: “Sawston is becoming an increasingly established location for science and tech operators, and we are delighted to welcome Immaterial to Accelerator Park, joining a host of similar operators who have already made their home in this evolving business community.”

Owen Garrigan CTO of Immaterial, comments: “We are delighted to have secured this space at Accelerator Park, Sawston, it will enable us to rapidly scale up production of our unique MOFs, and to supply our customers with the materials they need to achieve their sustainability goals by capturing carbon and storing hydrogen.”

Units 4 and 8 are the last remaining units in Phase 1, now available for occupation. Canmoor and Tristan Capital Partners are also pushing forward with the development of Phase 2 of Accelerator Park which will provide three brand-new GMP ready, R&D / life science buildings totalling 86,000 sq ft to continue the evolution.

Accelerator Park is strategically located in the heart of the South Cambridge biotech cluster, within two miles of Babraham Research Park, Granta Park and Unity Campus, and five miles from Addenbrook’s Hospital.

Phase Two is expected to ready for occupation in Q2 2025. The new units range from 20,000 to 35,000 sq ft, providing highly sustainable warehouse space with 10m eaves height, along with high percentage Cat A lab/offices on ground and first floors, with 136 car parking spaces and ample secure cycling storage. In addition, Canmoor have also recently achieved Practical Completion on the refurbishing of two existing buildings Units N & P2, comprising 16,511 sq ft and 5,414 sq ft, located on their adjacent ownership at Dales Manor Business Park.

The surrounding area is also undergoing rejuvenation with the recent construction of the new Cambridge City Football Stadium and training facilities, as well as Abstract’s neighbouring South Cambridge Science Centre. Other benefits include an onsite café at Ashwell Point, that opened in late October and a private gym within Canmoor’s ownership.

DTRE and Bidwells are joint letting agents for Accelerator Park Phase 1 and 2 and the new refurbished units at Dales Manor.

Eddison is retained as letting agent for the office space at Ashwell Point.

Chancery House attracts new tenant

CLS Holdings, advised by SHW, has welcomed Agility ECO to Chancery House in Sutton, completing a new lease with the local firm.

Agility ECO, part of M Group Services, will be relocating within Sutton to take part of the second floor at Chancery House, comprising 4,711 sq ft of high-quality office space, on a new 10-year lease.

Thomas Tarn, Associate at SHW, says: “CLS’s strong commitment to improving the offering at Chancery House, over the period of their ownership, has made this to ‘go to’ office building in the town for professional firms seeking quality, professional office space.”

Acquired by CLS in 2015, Chancery House has undergone a contemporary refurbishment programme, benefitting from significant investment into this prime town centre business space. The 55,000 sq ft office building now has new lifts, refurbished entrance and common parts, along with new showers cycle racks and disabled WCs, plus EV charging points. The building benefits from a zero carbon emission certified supply, with electricity fully supplied by 100% natural renewable sources.

Oscar Smith, Asset Manager at CLS says: “Sustainability is an integral aspect of our purpose to transform office properties into sustainable, modern spaces that help businesses grow and we are pleased to be able to welcome Agility ECO to our building.”

Following this latest letting, further availability within Chancery House includes the remainder of the 2nd floor (2,163 sq ft), the newly refurbished part 3rd and 4th floors (2,418 sq ft and 2,261 sq ft) and the option to take the whole 4,807 sq ft 8th floor, refurbished to a landlord base specification to suit the occupier.

CLS are represented by SHW and Chase Sinclair Clark. 

Sutton has seen extensive investment in the town centre in recent years including a new 131,500 sq ft Sainsburys supermarket at the bottom of the town and the construction of Sutton Plaza including a new Ibis hotel adjacent to Sutton Rail Station together with a swathe of new homes. The pedestrianised High Street which has 2 major shopping centres -St Nicholas and Times square-has a wide array of national retailers including M&S, Boots Waterstones and Flannels and an excellent selection of food and beverage offerings for occupiers. Sutton Station provides Southern services to London Victoria and London Bridge, and Thameslink services to Wimbledon, London Blackfriars and beyond. The town centre also features an extensive bus service.

Cube RE welcomes Pure Gym to St Andrews Square shopping centre, Droitwich

Pure Gym has opened its doors at St Andrews Square in Droitwich, Worcestershire following the signing of a new 15-year lease on the 5,000 sq ft unit. St Andrews Square shopping centre is a JV between Cube and Hathaway Opportunity Fund (“HOF”).

Pure Gym will be open 24 hours and follows the Fund’s strategy of bringing a diversity of offering to the centre, with a focus on increasing the footfall and nighttime economy.

St Andrew’s Square comprises approximately 40 units within a pedestrianised scheme. The town centre shopping centre is anchored by Morrisons supermarket and houses other national retailers including Poundland, Boots, Specsavers, Holland & Barrett, Card Factory and WH Smith, as well as many local, independent retailers.

Jonathan Butcher, Senior Asset Manager at Cube, says: “The fund has spent significant capex on improvements to the centre in the last few months, including new modern gateway entrances, festoon lighting, new centre branding and signage and improved planting throughout. This investment has certainly paid off and we are delighted to welcome Pure Gym to the centre, along with our other recent signings.”

New lettings have recently been finalised including to Arch Rivals - a Worcestershire based micro pub & brewery, Droitwich Nails and Senatie Ltd - a locally owned furniture store, adding to the mix of local and national leisure and retail operators. KLM advised Cube on the lettings.

The improvement works were facilitated by PSK and Crestel with 773C (a Worcester based creative agency) involved in the design and construction.

Almcor secures new lettings for IOS Strategy at Bridgwater’s Axe Road Industrial Estate

Following a refurbishment and repositioning programme, Almcor, advised by JLL and McKinlays, has secured a number of new lettings at Axe Road Industrial Estate, Bridgwater, as part of its Industrial Open Storage (IOS) Strategy.

Having acquired the Axe Road Industrial Estate in March 2024, along with Cherry Road Industrial Estate East and Cherry Road Industrial Estate West, Almcor has invested significantly in the 30-acre, established industrial site to enable new occupiers to benefit from its proximity to Hinckley Point C, Morrisons distribution centre and the Gravity Smart Campus – the site of the new TATA gigafactory, which is projected to create over 40,000 new jobs.

Located to the South of Bridgwater, Axe Road Industrial Estate is conveniently located close to the M5, giving easy access to the North and the South. The Squibbers Way bypass also provides new and improved access to Junction 24 of the M4.

The estate comprises three main elements offering a mix of industrial / workshop units, ranging from 914 to 30,022 sq ft, and open storage compounds and storage yards ranging from 0.12 to 3.27 acres.

In the latest new leases signed, VolkerHighways has taken Unit Y, a 3,490 sq ft detached unit, along with a 0.82-acre yard on a new 12-year lease. The entire site was comprehensively refurbished, including a full refurbishment of the unit, resurfacing and new fencing to the yard.

Compound F, a 1.18-acre yard within main road prominence, has also been snapped up by Adams Morey, a DAF dealership, on a new 10-year lease.  Peter McCluskey, Head of Active Value at Almcor, says: “This site was previously in very poor condition and required full clearance and new fencing in order to be let, with the added benefit of smartening up the front of the estate.”

He continues: “The whole estate was lacking in investment upon acquisition, but we saw the potential in the asset, and the location, and our capital expenditure has paid off. We look forward to welcoming further new occupiers to the area in the near future.”

Sophie Parsons, Surveyor at JLL, retained letting agents for the whole Bridgwater site, along with McKinlays, says: “The refurbishment and repositioning of Axe Road Industrial Estate is very welcome for the area and has enabled us to secure some great new national and local occupiers to the area. Along with Volker Highways and DAF, Unit 39F has recently been let to a private individual to operate an MOT garage and Unit CH1 is now occupied by Jasun Envirocare.”

Unit CH1 is Jasun Envirocare’s fifth factory unit in the Bridgewater area, accommodating the company’s expansion. This unit will be used as a stand-alone manufacturing unit for Carbon Filters used in environmental and pollution control.

Almcor is continuing its investment into the estate, with a few lots remaining available, including Compound V, a 3.27-acre open storage plot and two refurbished barrel-vaulted units which would suit a variety of occupiers.

Boundary sells urban Midlands multi-let investment

Boundary Real Estate Partners (Boundary) has sold its freehold interest Bridge Park & Pinfold Road Industrial Estate to a private client of APB.

The investment comprises adjoining industrial estates with a total of 34 units, configured to provide a mix of functional light industrial, urban logistics and trade units. The site also includes an office complex on a five-acre site with redevelopment potential.

The overall industrial element totals 241,187 sq ft, providing an annual rental income of just under £2 million. Over the last three years of ownership, there have been 21 lettings, renewals and rent reviews across Bridge Park and Pinfold Road Industrial Estates producing an average rental growth of over 12% pa.

Strategically located in Thurmaston, one of Leicester’s prime industrial and logistics areas, the scheme benefits from easy access to the A46, A6 and M1 Motorway, as well as the A607 Melton Road, providing direct access into Leicester City Centre.

Bridge Park & Pinfold Road Industrial Estate was acquired by Boundary in December 2021 as part of the Raynsway Portfolio.

Charlie Walker, Co- Founder of Boundary, says: “Following the completion of the sales programme from the office element of the portfolio, we are delighted to have now finalised the disposal of the industrial segment, following active asset management over the last three years. We are now focussed on delivery of the 50 acres of development land next to the A607, following planning permission earlier this year.”

The new development will provide up to 61,000 sq m (656,620 sq ft) of warehouse/industrial space to provide a gateway location into Leicester, injecting capital into the region and providing substantial employment and economic growth, along with protecting, enhancing, and extending the area’s networks of green spaces.

The development will target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, ensuring that the design, construction and operation of the buildings meet the highest environmental standards and attract best-in-class operators/tenants.

ACRE Capital advised Boundary on the sale of Bridge Park & Pinfold Industrial Estate. The purchaser was represented by APB Leicester.

 

CUBE RE acquires Horsham Shopping Centre

CUBE RE (Cube) has acquired the long leasehold interest in Swan Walk shopping centre, Horsham’s principal retail provision, as part of its JV Hathaway Opportunity Fund (“HOF”). The dominant, South East shopping centre has been bought out of receivership from Knight Frank.

Comprising over 300,000 sq ft, Swan Walk is anchored by Marks & Spencer, Next, Boots, and H&M, along with a variety of other retail operators, including WH Smith, Sports Direct and Fat Face. The centre also houses c. 26,000 sq ft of office space which was recently let by Horsham District Council. This will be their new state-of-the-art council offices and the Council are due to take occupation early in the new year following a refurbishment of the space.  

Nic Lowry, Investment Director at Cube, says: “Swan Walk is a great addition to the Fund with an opportunity for us to push forward value add asset management initiatives, including ESG focused building improvements, tenant lease regears and look at the medium-term development potential.

“The centre sits within a growth area, and benefits from a supportive local authority which is committed to retaining Swan Walk as the focus for retailing in the area. There are also a host of major housing developments surrounding the town, bringing an influx of new residents, and shoppers to Swan Walk.”

Horsham is an affluent and attractive market town in West Sussex, 7 miles south-west of the major town of Crawley, 23 miles North of Brighton and 33 miles south of London.

David Erwin of Dunluce, who advised Cube on the purchase of Swan Walk, says: “It’s been a challenging journey for the shopping centre sector, with true value is in short supply. We were delighted to work with Cube and HOF in identifying Swan Walk as an exciting acquisition opportunity at a time when the sector is displaying positive signs of recovery in a town where the demographics are strong, retail supply is limited, the local authority are fully engaged, and where occupiers are thriving within the scheme.”

Cube RE has appointed Savills and Crickmay as letting agents for Swan Walk. Tandem Property has been appointed as Managing Agent for the centre.

Cube RE were advised by Dunluce on the acquisition. The vendor was advised by Knight Frank.

Leading Global Health Marketing Firm comes to The Portland Building, Brighton

SHW, on behalf of developer MRP, has secured the latest letting at The Portland Building to leading global health marketing firm Inizio Evoke.

The award-winning company has taken a 10-year lease on the second floor, comprising 8,550 sq ft at the recently completed best in class sustainable office development, located in the heart of Brighton.

Situated on the corner of Church Street and Portland Street, the now completed fully-electric office has exemplary sustainability and technological features. The operationally net zero carbon scheme achieved an EPC ‘A’, BREEAM Excellent and a WiredScore Gold ratings, making it one of Brighton’s most attractive new offices for environmentally conscious businesses. It also features photovoltaic roof panels, secure cycle spaces accessed via a dedicated cycle ramp, shower facilities, a private courtyard and a communal roof terrace offering panoramic sea views.

This latest signing means the building is now 80% let with only one floor remaining, following the announcement that the FTSE250 company, Close Brothers, and law firm DMH agreed a deal to lease the ground and first floors.

Benjamin MacPhee, Development Manager at MRP comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Inizio Evoke to The Portland Building and delighted that another local occupier has decided to upgrade their office accommodation and has chosen our building as their new home. It’s a sign of the positivity in the Brighton office market and the quality of the building that we are now 80% let with only one floor remaining. We are extremely proud of the role that our team has played in re-energising the immediate area and transforming what was a vacant run-down site for over 20 years, into a modern office that’s helping Brighton businesses grow and expand.”

James Bryant, Director of SHW, retained letting agent for The Portland Building, says: “SHW were delighted to advise on the letting to Inizio Evoke and welcome them to The Portland Building.  With just one floor remaining we are confident the building will be 100% let very soon as more businesses look to upgrade the quality of their office space.”

Four warehouse units let at Manor Royal’s Gatwick Distribution Centre

SHW, on behalf of Columbia Threadneedle, has secured two new tenants at Gatwick Distribution Centre in Manor Royal, Crawley.

Following the refurbishment of 45,000 sq ft of warehouse space in the established distribution location located on Whittle Way, Units 6-7 - comprising a total of 18,000 sq ft - have been let to Thasi Ltd, with Ilecsys taking 18,000 sq ft at Units 9 -10 a month later.

Laura Thomson, Director of SHW, says: “The refurbishment works have provided fresh, quality space for the area with generous loading: a place where occupiers want to be, as demonstrated by the letting to Ilecsys.  The company was originally based in Crawley, before moving out of the area, and saw the opportunity to return when this space became available.

Following these two latest lettings, just 9,000 sq ft of the refurbished space remains available at Gatwick Distribution Centre.”

The whole estate consists of 17 units arranged within two parallel terraces. Units 6-10 have been fully refurbished to include new roofs, resprayed cladding and internal refurbishment with LED lighting throughout.

Gatwick Distribution Centre commands a prominent position fronting Gatwick Road. The site is located within the Manor Royal Business District – the biggest business park within the Gatwick Diamond area and one of the South East’s premier mixed activity employment hubs.

Benefitting from excellent transport links, strategically located just one mile south of Gatwick Airport and the M23, as well as excellent bus and rail links, Manor Royal has attracted a wide range of national, international and logistics companies including Amazon, Boeing, Royal Mail. EVRi, Ocado, Tesco and Thales.

FTD Johns is joint letting agent with SHW for Gatwick Distribution Centre.

SHW sells South East M25/Greater London multi-let industrial estate

Acting as Sole Agent, SHW, on behalf of a private property company, has sold the freehold interest in the Manford Industrial Estate, close to the M25 at Erith, in the London Borough of Bexleyheath, to an institutional investor.

The exceptionally well managed and maintained industrial estate comprises 27 units ranging from 2,500 to 6,762 sq ft, totalling 67,550 sq ft. Let to a variety of occupiers, the investment currently produces and annual income of £809,796, with the potential to extend/develop and increase rental income.

Located on Manor Road, close to the M25, in an established industrial area, the site provides easy access into Central London and the South East,

Martin Clark, Investment Partner at SHW, said: “By offering the property to a carefully selected group, we were able to complete a sale in the timescale required and at a price in excess of the £12.5m guide figure. The knowledge of the SHW M25 industrial agency team, led by SHW’s Senior Partner Alex Gale, was vital, allowing us to clearly illustrate the reversionary nature of the asset and the future opportunities that lie ahead for the buyer.”

Lewis Ellis represented the purchaser.

Green Light for new urban logistics scheme – Base A3 Chessington

Arax Properties, in partnership with Eurazeo’s Real Estate team, have been given the green light for their new urban logistics development in Chessington, South-west London.

Planning permission has been granted by the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames for Base A3 Chessington to provide 104,700 sq ft of multi-let industrial space across seven units, ranging from 9,400 to 24,600 sq ft, expected to be ready for occupation during 2025.

Base A3 Chessington will be constructed to a BREEAM Excellent standard, with an EPC A rating, and will be Net Zero. The development will also incorporate a number of environmental and sustainable features targeting energy consumption, power generation and drainage management.

The units will benefit from yards up to 29m, level access doors, 1 car parking space per 1,300 sq ft and a minimum of 10 cycle spaces per unit. Internally the units will provide 8m eaves, 15% roof light content, fully-fitted CAT A offices and additional storage mezzanine at first floor with a flexible undercroft beneath.

SHW and DTRE are joint letting agents for Base A3 Chessington.

Mark Skelton, Partner of SHW: “The scheme will be built to a high specification, providing a range of unit sizes to suit a wide variety of occupiers and is one of the only speculative developments of this size along the A3 corridor. From our pre-planning marketing, we have been encouraged by the level of interest and demand for the area. Now planning has been granted we are looking forward to providing high quality units to meet local demand.”

Claudia Harley, Associate Partner of DTRE: “Base A3 Chessington brings much-needed, sustainable industrial space to South-west London. This development is designed to meet both occupier needs and the highest environmental standards.”

Base A3 Chessington is being developed in joint venture by Eurazeo and Arax Properties, a pan-European operating partner.

Brighton City Centre Office investment changes hands

SHW and Nightingale Partners, on behalf Wesleyan Assurance Society has sold the freehold interest in Imperial House, Brighton to Exton Estates.

The privately owned, specialist office and industrial property developer plans to comprehensively refurbish the prominent, 11,514 sq ft City Centre office building, bringing it back to life for potential new occupiers. SHW has been retained to let and manage the building.

Martin Clark, Investment Partner at SHW, said: “Imperial House is an unusual product, with well-shaped and sized floor plates, great parking and potential for external space to be added to improve the occupier experience. The numerous asset management opportunities made this an attractive acquisition for Exton Estates, to utilise their development expertise.

“This, plus the strong letting potential in Brighton, where office rents above £40 per sq ft have now been achieved by SHW, demonstrate that Exton Estates can create a premium product and secure lettings which will underwrite the future value of the building.”

Imperial House is located at 40-42 Quens Road in the heart if the centre, within a 3-minute walk of Brighton Railway Station. Arranged over lower ground, ground and four upper floors, the building is majority let to the BBC.

Bray Fox Smith represented Exton Estates in the purchase.

Bridge Industrial Continues Expansion into Mainland Europe, Appointing Head of Netherlands

Bridge Industrial (“Bridge”) continues its expansion into mainland Europe with the appointment of Douglas van Oers as Partner, Head of the Netherlands and the opening of its second office on the continent, in Amsterdam. Bridge recently announced the appointment of Jean Henault, Partner, Head of France and the opening of its first office on the continent in Paris.

Douglas Van Oers will lead the global firm's operations across The Netherlands, working alongside Head of Europe Charles Baigler.

Douglas joins Bridge Industrial from Savills where he was Co-head of Logistics and Industrial in the Netherlands, launching the firm’s logistics and industrial business across the region. Over the past eight years, he has notably grown the Netherlands logistics and industrial operations into a leading investment and agency firm, facilitating multiple billions in investment transactions. Prior to Savills, van Oers served as Commercial Manager at Dutch logistics developer, David Hart Group.

Charles Baigler, Bridge Industrial's Head of Europe, comments: “Douglas’ many years of on-the-ground experience and knowledge of The Netherlands warehouse and logistics market gives us the head start to rapidly secure development sites in core locations across the country, aligning with our strategy of operating in high barrier to entry markets with strong demand.”

Douglas says: “We are seeking to quickly become operational in areas where supply outweighs demand, including around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Venlo and Tilburg, bringing Bridge Industrial’s real estate investment, development, and management expertise to The Netherlands, providing Class A, highly sustainable warehouse and logistics space to satisfy modern occupiers’ business space requirements.”

Following the opening of Bridge Industrial’s Paris and Amsterdam offices, plans are also underway to commence the firm’s operations in Germany.

Bridge Industrial’s Co-Founder & CEO Steve Poulos, comments, “We are thrilled to announce this next European expansion milestone, with Doug’s appointment and the launch of our operations in Amsterdam. Providing critical infrastructure to support the communities in which we operate lies at the core of our firm, and we look forward to growing our operations across mainland Europe.” 

Founded in 2000 by Co-Founder and CEO Steve Poulos, Bridge Industrial is a vertically integrated real estate operating company and investment manager. The firm focuses on the development and management of Class A industrial real estate in the supply-constrained core industrial markets of Chicago, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Los Angles, San Francisco, Seattle, London, Paris, and now Amsterdam. Since its inception, Bridge has successfully acquired and developed close to 74 million sq ft (6.9 million sq m) of industrial buildings.

Following its UK inception in 2020, Bridge Industrial has amassed and developed a portfolio of in-fill industrial real estate within Greater London’s established M25 market. The firm remains focused on adding to its existing quantum within this core geography, whilst also expanding its footprint into broader Southeast and Northwest markets. 

 

Pure Offices choose technologywithin as software partner

Latest win for the flexible workspace technology player drives efficiencies for leading regional operator

Pure Offices, the regional flexible workspace provider, has announced today a new partnership with technologywithin, selecting their twiinworkspace platform to manage its portfolio of 23 locations under a three year contract.

This news further cements the relationship between the two companies, as technologywithin has been providing managed internet and WiFi services via their market leading twiindata solution to Pure Offices since 2007.  The move marks a significant step in the development of technologywithin’s position as the leading managed connectivity provider to the UK flexspace industry, adding  a further 600k sq. ft. to the twiin estate.

Pure Offices Operations Director Katie Whell said,  “Our business is built on offering great customer service, ensuring our clients have a seamless work day experience. So, every technology  solution we choose has to support our team to do that. Since implementing twiinworkspace, we’ve seen significant improvements in efficiency for our accounts team; cutting our monthly billing run for over 1,200 clients from a full day’s work, to less than 30 minutes. We have received great support throughout the rollout process  and I look forward to fully leveraging the platform’s features to improve customer satisfaction and central efficiencies.”

technologywithin’s Managing Director, Jon Seal, said, “ We are consistently investing in the twiin suite of products alongside building native integrations with technology partners to enhance end user experience for our customers.  The decision by Pure Offices, one of the UK’s largest flexspace operators, to extend their portfolio with twiinworkspace, demonstrates its ability to meet the specific needs of their business.  From the front office team, to finance and management teams, twiinworkspace was concluded to be the best possible solution for their operation.”

twiinworkspace is a workspace management software solution, which allows operators to streamline all areas of their business.  Sales teams can manage leads from all sources from capture to contract. Location managers can see a snapshot of their location through a simple dashboard; including occupancy, upcoming renewals and bad debt. And, finance teams can bill quickly and easily through accountancy software integration.

 

The Commercial Property Network launches its independent auctions platform

The Commercial Property Network (The CPN), a network of privately-owned commercial property advisory firms spanning the UK, has today launched its independent auctions platform.

CPN Auctions will create a national auction collective, providing a unique mix of property for sale with wide coverage and access to an unrivalled client database. The first, online auction is set to take place at the end of Q1 2025.

The Commercial Property Network is a collective of privately owned, highly experienced commercial property firms spanning the UK. Formed 60 years ago, the network offers expertise to organisations looking to maximise the management of their commercial property assets, whether that be through commercial investment, building consultancy, property management or any of the 14 services offered.

Fergus Laird, Partner at Naylors Gavin Black and President of The Commercial Property Network, says: “As we celebrate 60 years of collaboration, we are extremely excited and proud to be launching this new chapter for The CPN, providing an independent service to cater for the many real estate opportunities that are suited to the auction format which provides that all important immediate sale and unconditional contract.”

Hosted by The Commercial Property Network, CPN Auctions will be led by Ian Kitson of Cheffins, with strategic advice and support from Mike Grey at Dedman Grey. Well known for their extensive auction expertise, as member firms, Cheffins and Dedman Grey also have an in-depth knowledge of the network, its firms and its operations.

Ian Kitson, Divisional Director of Property Auctions & Valuations at Cheffins, says: “CPN Auctions will provide a unique offering to the market. The UK-wide coverage of 33 member firms, the network’s granular local knowledge and valuation expertise, plus its ability to bring together an unrivalled spread of commercial property opportunities, will pack a real punch. 

“Our plan is to hold three to four collective online auctions per year, with the flexibility to host further depending on demand. The online format gives us the opportunity to reach a wide network of buyers, nationally and internationally, with the binding nature of the auction contract committing buyers and sellers on the fall of the hammer to keep timescales concise.”

The Commercial Property Network currently has over 70 million sq ft of commercial property under management and over 3,000 properties on the market across the UK.

The network covers all aspects of commercial property, advising on the whole property lifecycle from investment strategy and acquisition to planning, development and construction, asset/property management, property management, sales and lettings and disposals.

Fergus Laird adds: “Success in commercial property is all about local knowledge and our members have a granular knowledge of their market.  By working with The CPN members, clients are ensured of a personalised support from firms with unrivalled local expertise, coupled with a national reach of the network, which will now be provided as an additional service in an auction format, and we are very much looking forward to the first sale.”

 

SmallTown opens new café at Sawston’s Accelerator Park

SmallTown has opened a new café at Canmoor’s Accelerator Park in Sawston, South Cambridgeshire.

Local occupier SmallTown, which has their bakery business located within Accelerator Park, has this week opened the doors to their second café, located in Ashwell Point at the front of the established business park.

The business, founded by lifelong friends Ben and Ed, started in Clare - the ‘smallest town in Suffolk’. Quickly outgrowing their two previous units, SmallTown moved their commercial bakery to Accelerator Park in 2023 and are delighted to be opening their second café bringing their quality bakes and coffees to the Sawston community.

Ed says: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to open at Accelerator Park, catering for both those who work on site, and those who live in the Sawston area and beyond.  We think the community here is very special and we look forward to being a place to gather and grab a coffee or lunch.” 

“The SmallTown Café at Ashwell Point, we hope, will be a place to gather with friends, family and colleagues. We will be serving freshly made pastries, sourdough and coffee everyday as well as breakfast and lunch offerings freshly made in the cafe kitchen.” 

The business’s future plans are to bring a few more SmallTown cafes/bakeries to small towns and business parks around the local area. Ed adds: “Serving simple, high-quality produce day in day out to the local community is what makes us happy, and we hope it makes our customers happy too.” 

Sam Walker, Director of Canmoor, says: “Having acquired the wider site in 2023, we have been working closely with existing and new occupiers to bring this park to life, and are delighted to have teamed up with SmallTown to bring their exceptional products to the occupiers on the park as well as a community hub for workers and local residents.

“The surrounding area is under-going significant rejuvenation - we are well underway with Phase 2 of development at Accelerator Park which will provide three new R&D/ life science building which will be completed in Q2’25, South Cambridge Science Centre is being built next door and the new Cambridge City Football Club ground is shortly to become operational.”

SHW secures warehouse letting at Newhaven Industrial Park

On behalf of Petchey Holdings, SHW has secured a new lease with a national trade operator at Newhaven Industrial Park on Beech Road, Newhaven, East Sussex.

Unit 8, Newhaven Industrial Park comprises 6,021 sq ft of newly refurbished warehouse/industrial space, purpose built with a two-storey integral office section. Located to the south east of Newhaven town centre, in an established commercial area, access to beach Road is via the A259 south coast road, which in turn links to the A26 (New Road). The A26 provides the main north-south access between Newhaven and the A27 with onward connections to Lewes, Brighton and the national road network.

David Martin, Partner and Head of Sussex Coast Business Space at SHW, says: “Now this quality warehouse - rarely available in the area - has been snapped up, we are pleased to say that a further 20,258 sq ft, with scope for division, will be becoming available soon.

“Close to the Newhaven Ferry Terminal and railway station, with the residential area expanding, the space suits a variety of occupiers looking to reduce their overheads, including trade counter use.”

SHW is the sole letting agent for Unit 8 Newhaven Industrial Park.

Eddisons appointed to let available office space at Ashwell Point, South Cambridgeshire

Canmoor has appointed Eddisons as the sole letting agent for the available office space at Ashwell Point in Sawston, South Cambridgeshire.

Ashwell Point, a self-contained, two-storey office building totalling 20,000 sq ft, is part of Canmoor’s wider Accelerator Park scheme, located just 7 miles South of Cambridge City Centre in Sawston. Already home to occupiers including Morgan Sindall and Janus Technology, Ashwell Point offers office space ranging from 143 to 8,520 sq ft, available on flexible lease terms.

The business space provides meeting room facilities, generous car parking provision, EV charging points, cycle storage and a new SmallTown café. The surrounding area is also undergoing rejuvenation alongside the construction of Canmoor’s Accelerator Park Phase 2, South Cambridge Science Centre and the new Cambridge City FC stadium which offers opportunities for conferencing and cafe.

Ashwell Point benefits from excellent road connections via the A405, providing access to major routes of the M11, A11, A1(M) and A14. Nearby, Great Shelford and Whittlesford Parkway villages offer convenient mainline rail connections to the Cambridge/London Liverpool Street line and frequent services from Cambridge railway station connect to London King’s Cross. The proposed Cambridge South East Transport (CSET) link, running adjacent to the wider park, could further improve connectivity if it gets the go ahead

Speaking about Eddisons’ appointment as the agent for Ashwell Point, Ben Green, Director, said, “We are delighted to be appointed as the sole agent. We can already report strong interest in the available space given the accessibility of the location, the ample amount of parking, on-site amenities and flexible lease terms.

“The space is ideal for a range of office users, especially technology-based companies seeking proximity to the range of science & research parks associated with the South Cambridge Cluster.”

Bridge Industrial Ventures into Mainland Europe, Appointing Head of France to Kickstart its European Expansion

Bridge Industrial has commenced its expansion into mainland Europe with the appointment of Jean Henault as Partner, Head of France and the opening of its first office on the continent, in Paris.

Jean will lead the global firm's operations across the country, working alongside Head of Europe Charles Baigler to kickstart Bridge Industrial's European operations, with Paris as the first of three new headquarters across mainland Europe. Plans to launch operations in the Netherlands and Germany are underway.

Bridge Industrial’s Co-Founder & CEO Steve Poulos, comments on this milestone, “It is an exciting time for our firm as we officially expand our operations into continental Europe. Supporting the communities in which we operate with critical infrastructure, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient industrial real estate lies at the core of our business, and we look forward to bringing communities across Europe Class A industrial complexes that support their growing economies.”

Charles Baigler, Bridge Industrial's Head of Europe, comments: “At Bridge Industrial, we invest and operate in high barrier to entry markets, where demand outweighs supply for best in class, sustainable logistics real estate. We have seen considerable success across the US and UK and seek to leverage our expertise in complex transactions, skilled site development, creative property solutions, and successful leasing across mainland Europe.”

Jean joins Bridge Industrial from Carlyle where he was responsible for acquisitions and asset management of the Serfilog logistics program. Prior to Carlyle, Henault held senior positions at logistics operator Melcombe Partners and Hansteen. He has a 20-year track record in the logistics sector in France, focusing on supply constrained markets.

“Starting with France and the appointment of Jean, we are excited at what lies ahead. He brings a wealth of expertise and deep understanding of the market. Our goal is to be operational in core, infill locations across the country including Paris, Lyon, Lille and Marseille, plus across the Netherlands and Germany in the near future," continues Baigler.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for Bridge Industrial, and myself, as we champion the firm’s success into mainland Europe. We seek to capitalize on opportunities to acquire and develop Class A, sustainable logistics facilities that meet the community’s demand for last-mile and next-day delivery. I look forward to working with Charlie and the wider US and UK teams to rapidly grow our operations across France, focusing on high barrier to entry markets with increased demand and relatively low supply," says Jean Henault.

Founded in 2000 by Co-Founder and CEO Steve Poulos, Bridge Industrial is a vertically integrated real estate operating company and investment manager. The firm focuses on the development and management of Class A industrial real estate in the supply-constrained core industrial markets of Chicago, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Los Angles, San Francisco, Seattle, London and now Paris. Since its inception, Bridge has successfully acquired and developed close to 74 million sq ft (6.9 million sq m) of industrial buildings.

Following its UK inception in 2020, Bridge Industrial has amassed and developed a portfolio of infill industrial real estate within Greater London’s established M25 market. The firm remains focused on adding to its existing quantum within this core geography, whilst also expanding its footprint into broader Southeast and Northwest markets.