Building Briefs:
WILTON Developments has secured a third pre-let at 10 South Parade, the first new speculative office development in Leeds city centre this year.
Xafinity Consulting, the employee benefits and pensions services provider, has taken a further 1,200 sq ft of office space at the Wilton Developments scheme in addition to 8,200 sq ft of office space leased in April this year.
The flagship Grade A+ development will be home to Xafinity Consulting’s regional headquarters, which was previously based at 9 South Parade.
This follows Wilton Developments recent pre-let of 3,200 sq ft of second floor office space to Odgers Berndtson, a leading worldwide firm of executive recruitment consultants.
10 South Parade, located in the heart of the city centre, is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, re-build and revitalisation programme.
Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Developments, said: “When we announced the speculative scheme last year we said it reflected our confidence in Leeds and securing such early success is testament to this.”
Eamon Fox, associate director at DTZ, added: “Pre-letting has been virtually non-existent in the regional markets over the last two years, but in a positive move we have 35 per cent let the building at this early stage.”
DTZ, Knight Frank and WSB are advising Wilton Developments on the scheme.
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AN 8.5 acre industrial site in Hipperholme, West Yorkshire, has been acquired on behalf of HRL Developments by Leeds-based agent Gent Visick.
The team bought the land from paving specialists Marshalls for an undisclosed sum. It was sold with three existing short term tenants on the site including recycling specialists Biffa.
Matthew Hopkins, of industrial property specialist Gent Visick who headed the deal, said it showed that development land is once again attracting interest.
Mr Hopkins said: “The deal could not have happened 12 months ago and although development land deals are still difficult to fund this proves that they can be done when you’re able to provide a sensible short term use for the site.”
Chris Hibbert, of HRL Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with Marshalls to purchase the land at Hipperholme. The deal could not have been done with out the experience and tenacity of our agents Gent Visick.”
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A UNITED States headquartered software business has relocated its West Yorkshire operation to Lancashire.
The office agency team at CB Richard Ellis in Leeds acted on behalf of Lawson Software to move to Sandbrook Park in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, from Elland.
CBRE secured a five year lease deal for 9,983sq ft first floor West Wing offices at Zen Internet’s Sandbrook House building within the Sandbrook Park scheme.
Lawson Software provides software and services to more than 4,000 customers in sectors including equipment service management and rental, fashion, food and beverage and healthcare across 40 countries.
Jonathan Shires, director of office agency at CB Richard Ellis’s Leeds office said; “Sandbrook House offers a community feel, excellent on-site facilities whilst being a stone’s throw from the M62. After an extensive search we identified a great option”.
Knight Frank represented Zen Internet.
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GARMENT hanging and packaging business Braiform has expanded its operations in South Yorkshire with the help of the company’s landlord Mountcity Investments, advised by real estate adviser DTZ.
Mountcity worked with Braiform to relocate its factory and warehouse from Fallbank Industrial Estate in Barnsley to a warehouse at Provincial Park, Sheffield.
Braiform is a global company that provides garment hanging and packaging services to the retail sector.
The deal has seen Braiform increase the size of its facility from 67,000 sq ft to more than 146,000 sq ft. The company has signed a 10 year lease at Provincial Park at a headline rental of approximately £3.50 per sq ft.
Mike Baugh, industrial director at DTZ, said: “We have worked closely with Mountcity throughout the relocation and this recent deal is a great example of good landlord and tenant relations and sensible portfolio management.
“Mountcity has an excellent track record for tenant care and this transaction is another example of where it has been able to offer flexibility to the tenant to ensure their business is able to grow and remain successful.”
DTZ represented Mountcity Investments and Braiform was advised by GVA Grimley.
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SCANLANS Consultant Surveyors has moved to new offices.
The company is still based at Titan House in Horsforth, Leeds, but has moved to a newly refurbished floor which provides more space for staff and has an improved reception and client meeting rooms.
Graduate surveyor Simon Hollis, has joined Scanlans from Spencers in Sheffield to provide further support for the LPA receivership team.
Paul Long, Scanlans Leeds partner, said: “We are able to provide a wider range of property expertise to our clients in addition to our general practice and recovery related work.”
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3dcom, the 3D animations arm of Yorkshire company Robinson Design Group, has won an accolade after it produced a film showcasing the UK’s tallest proposed bridge structure in Sunderland.
A helicopter was hired by 3dcom to video the area for the proposed bridge and then the company superimposed its computer model onto it.
3dcom was awarded the Vismasters animation of the month. Vismasters.com celebrates the art and design of 3d visualisation by profiling the work of the most accomplished artisans around the globe.
