100 jobs promised at speculative business park development

THE first speculative industrial development to be built in Bradford since the recession, which is set to create 100 jobs, is nearly complete.

Newhall Business Park is being constructed and developed by Bradford developer Frank Marshall Estates, which bought the five-acre business park, part of Prologis Park, from Prologis for an undisclosed sum earlier last year.

Outline planning for eight business units, totalling 38,000 sq ft, has been granted by Bradford City Council.

The development is being been built by Bradford-based construction company Percy Pickard Contractors.

Frank Marshall Estates is run by Edward and Jimmy Marshall and has significant commercial assets in Yorkshire.

Edward Marshall said: “We are tremendously excited by Newhall Business Park. It occupies an exceptional position at the top of the M606 to the south of Bradford city centre and is just minutes away from the hub of Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network. The location is superb, arguably the best for industrial property in Bradford.

He added: “There has already been serious interest in the business park, which has been very encouraging. Our eight self-contained, high-quality units are ideal for businesses requiring small premises. The units, which range from 1,500 sq ft to 10,650 sq ft, can be adapted to occupiers’ needs and are equipped with the very best facilities and the latest technology. We are setting a new standard for industrial space in the area.”

Frank Marshall Estates is moving its headquarters to the site from the nearby Link 606 Office Park this autumn, occupying the 17th century Grade II listed building which fronts Rooley Lane and was formerly the club house of West Bowling Golf Club.

The building is currently being refurbished and will be split into two wings, allowing another occupier more than 2,400 sq ft of office space.

Jimmy Marshall said: “We are very proud of our Bradford heritage and believe strongly that this is a business park for Bradford. We have shown our confidence in the area by building the first speculative multi-let estate in recent years. We have also ensured that the contractors and sub-contractors on site are from the Bradford region.

“As the economy picks up after some difficult years, a number of smaller to medium-sized businesses are feeling more confident and are looking to consolidate and expand. We believe our new business units will satisfy this pent-up demand. Ultimately we hope to create 100 sustainable and quality jobs here.”

The rents for the industrial units will be in the region of £7 per sq ft, while the quoting office rent is £15 per sq ft.

Jonathan O’Connor, associate with joint marketing agents Walker Singleton, said: “Newhall Business Park will provide much needed speculative development in Bradford with a high-quality build and great road links. With demand levels as they are, I’m sure it will very quickly be fully occupied following completion. The speculative nature of the development demonstrates our client’s confidence in this location and the city as a whole.”

Mike Haigh, partner with joint marketing agents Dove Haigh Phillips, added: “This is a prime development site in a premier location. Marks and Spencer’s hugely successful regional distribution centre is next door, underlining the excellent transport links and the success of the site.”

The Bradford office of Eddisons is also marketing Newhall Business Park.