Harrogate business snaps up Second World War hangar

LOFT hatch supplier Access Building Products has acquired a 30,000 sq ft Second World War hangar as it looks to expand.

The site, at the Marston Moor Business Park in North Yorkshire, was formerly part of RAF Marston Moor. Located near Tockwith, the area was used to train aircrew on the Halifax Bomber.

Now the site will be used as Access Building Product’s new home. It is relocating to the hangar after a period of strong demand which requires further space to grow.

The company, which supplies access panels and loft hatches, was founded in 2006 and is relocating from its former HQ in Pannal near Harrogate where they have been based since 2012.

Managing director Bob Elderton said: “This is an exciting time for the company and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead of us, in refurbishing the property to our own specification and design.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to breathe life into such a historic building.”

Richard Henley of Gent Visick, who negotiated the sale on behalf of London and Scottish investors, added: “Clearly the lack of freehold opportunities in the market at the moment is leading occupiers to think outside the box when looking to purchase properties. We are sure this sale will give the hangar the much-needed lease of life it requires.”